16 Nov 2024 – AIL – Old Wesley 55 Highfield 14
Old Wesley recorded their biggest win of the season with an eight try victory, cruising to a convincing 55-14 win over Highfield in the All-Ireland League Division 1B.
The match got off to a flying start with Kieran O’Shea crashing over from close range after just 3 minutes, putting Wesley ahead early. Ian Cassidy missed the conversion making it 5-0, but Highfield soon found themselves in a tough spot as they couldn’t keep up with the clinical Wesley attack. A slick move saw Cassidy spin the ball wide to Paidi Farrell, who offloaded to Nathan Randles. Randles linked up with Alex Molloy, who sent Andy Doyle through for Wesley’s second try, Cassidy added the extras to extend the lead to 12-0.
The home side’s dominance continued as Eoin Deegan intercepted a pass, launching a counter-attack. Deegan offloaded to Will Fay, who set up Paidi Farrell for a try in the corner, making it 17-0 after 20 minutes. Just five minutes later, Farrell returned the favour, offloading to Molloy, who trotted over for Wesley’s fourth try. Cassidy was flawless with the boot, extending the lead to 24-0 at the 25-minute mark.
Highfield responded with a try of their own, bringing the score to 24-7 with just 7 minutes to go in the first half. They weren’t done there, scoring again in the dying minutes of the half to reduce the deficit to 24-14 at the break.
The second half saw Wesley assert further control. A high tackle on Andy Doyle gave Cassidy a penalty, which he converted to extend the lead to 27-14. The pressure from Wesley never let up as they continued to build phases, with Cassidy eventually offloading to Molloy for another try under the posts. Cassidy converted to make it 34-14 with 30 minutes remaining. Wesley’s dominance continued as Cassidy found touch with a precise kick, setting up a penalty try after a Highfield collapse at the maul. That try made it 41-14 as the clock ticked down. With 25 minutes to go, Adam Watchorn, Eoin Murphy, and Rian Handley were all introduced, further freshening up the side.
Wesley kept Highfield pinned back, never allowing them to build any momentum. With five minutes left, Mahon Ronan crashed over from close range to make it 48-14. Molloy then broke through the Highfield defence before offloading to Paidi Farrell, who scored his second try of the day. Tom Larke added the extras, bringing the final score to 55-14.
This was a comprehensive win for Old Wesley, who remain in top form as they look ahead to the rest of the season. Their clinical attack and solid defense were too much for Highfield to handle, and they will take plenty of confidence from this dominant performance.
Click here for photos by Ken Richardson
Click here for match highlights
Scorers: Tries: Kieran O’Shea, Andrew Doyle, Paidi Farrell 2, Alex Molloy 2, Penalty try, Mahon Ronan; Cons: Ian Cassidy 3, Pen try con, Tom Larke 2; Pen: Ian Cassidy
HT: Old Wesley 24 Highfield 14
Team: Tom Larke, Paidi Farrell, Alex Molloy, Eoin Deegan, Nathan Randles, Ian Cassidy, Andrew Doyle, Harry Noonan, Kieran O’Shea, Cronan Gleeson, David Motyer, Mahon Ronan, Cathal Kelly, Reuben Pim (capt), Will Fay. Replacements: Rian Handley, Adam Watchorn, Charlie Meagher, Eoin Murphy, Tommy O’Callaghan, Charlie O’Regan.
