Old Wesley secure MAXimum points overtaking Naas in the fast LANE
by MAX LANE
Metro League Div 6 – Old Wesley 36 Naas 10
The day initially looked to be a complete washout but the gods of rugby shone down on Donnybrook stadium and fortunately the rain halted right before kick-off. With an array of penalties conceded to Trinity the previous week it was clear that our discipline would need to improve if we were to come out with a win against Naas.
From the first whistle it was evident that the Wesley boys had come to play serious rugby. After a matter of minutes we found ourselves deep in our opponent’s 22 with a lineout. Powerhouse launched the ball in with pinpoint accuracy and a well worked move, fresh off The Weapon’s training paddock, saw Sam Moore drive over the whitewash. Our lineout showed to be far more effective this time around. Continued pressure later in the first half resulted in a steal at the back by Keith Kane who, after a jinky run, sailed in under the sticks for an impressive 30 metre try. With some thunderous carries from Dave “The Drillbit” Taylor and superb link play on a number of occasions between Handcock and Chrissy Coughlan, the Wesley lads were a constant threat when in possession. Notable mentions also include Dave “having the season of his life but don’t mention it in case you jinx it” Heelan and Kaner who after scoring his second try of the afternoon earned Ivan’s prestigious Man of The Match award.
A drop in concentration from Wesley (around about the time that Max Lane was substituted) afforded the opposition two soft tries during the middle of the second half. Fortunately Wesley were able to finish on a high after a solid scrum laid the foundation for a splendid try. Some impressive manoeuvres from the men in the back line resulted in a score by Al “The Boot” O’Connor which absolved him of his questionable tackling technique earlier in the half.
Post-match the men of Donnybrook swiftly made their way to Kielys for refreshments and match analysis. While many of us enjoyed a packet of bacon fries with a frosty Heineken or creamy Guinness, Mark indulged himself with a kale smoothie and a lightly seasoned rice cracker. All was forgiven as he was then kind enough to let us in on some of his ‘code breaking’ dating secrets which have kept the modern man puzzled for years.
The brave men of Wesley can now look forward to a weekend off before making their way to Wanderers FC on the 28th for a game which promises to be the biggest of the season, one which Al O’Connor will be delighted to report on.