AIL1B : Old Wesley 21 – City of Armagh 12
Old Wesley opened their AIL Division 1B season with a hard-fought 21–12 victory over City of Armagh at Donnybrook. In a contest full of physicality and momentum swings, Wesley’s pack power, the carrying of Cathal Kelly, and debut tries from Jules Fenelon and Ethan Black proved decisive.
Armagh struck first when centre Rocky Olsen finished from close range after a 5-metre scrum, with out-half Owen O’Kane converting for 0–7. Wesley replied swiftly; Kelly burst through midfield from a lineout move before Tom Larke spotted space in behind and slid through a precise grubber. Winger Jules Fenelon gathered and grounded to make it 5–7.
With Kelly’s relentless carrying and the front row of Jamie Clark, Kieran O’Shea (capt.) and Ben Popplewell holding firm, Wesley began to control territory. When Armagh infringed, Larke slotted a penalty to give the hosts an 8–7 lead at half-time.
The second half began with a pivotal moment; James McCormick was shown yellow for a high tackle, and Larke extended the lead to 11–7. Moments later, returning prop Sam Kenny linked superbly with Kelly to punch through the defence. From recycled ball a perfectly weight chip by Niall Carroll bounced perfectly into the hands of Ethan Black who crossed untouched for a try. Larke converted to push Wesley out to 18–7.
Armagh struck back through McCormick, who powered over from a maul to cut it to 18–12, but Wesley’s bench made a telling impact. Rian Handley, Kian Regan, Charlie Hempenstall and Stephen Hendy injected energy, tightened up the defence and disrupted at the breakdown. Another penalty gave Larke the chance to move Wesley two scores clear at 21–12, and he duly obliged.
The closing stages saw Wesley manage the game with maturity. Kelly and Dan Campbell soaked up carries, Hendy’s box-kicking relieved pressure, and Larke pinned Armagh deep. The final whistle confirmed a deserved opening-day win and four valuable league points.
Scorers: Tries: Jules Fenelon, Ethan Black; Con: Tom Larke; Pens: Tom Larke 3
Team: Tom Larke; Jules Fenelon, Ethan Black, Eoin Deegan, Jarrod Homan; Niall Carroll, Evan Kenny; Jamie Clark, Kieran O’Shea (capt), Ben Popplewell, Shane Cawley, Luke O’Connor, Cathal Kelly, Dan Campbell, Charlie Meagher. Replacements: Rian Handley, Sam Kenny, Kian Regan, Patrick McBarron, Charlie Hempenstall, Stephen Hendy.
Click here for photos by Ken Richardson (photos may be downloaded in full high resolution by clicking the down arrow at the bottom right of each image)
