All Ireland League – Shannon 61 Old Wesley 12
With Old Wesley showing a large number of changes, and Shannon having more to play for, the Limerick side showed no mercy, comprehensively beating Old Wesley in the last All Ireland League match of the season.
Wesley initially seemed to have the brighter start after the home side conceded two penalties in the first minute earning Wesley a 10-metre line out. This was followed by an intercept and kick ahead by Charlie O’Regan resulting in a similar opportunity. However, neither position led to a score. But it wasn’t long before Shannon showed their skills when after some slick handling they crossed for their first try. And with their pack causing all sorts of problems for the Wesley scrum, the home side soon crossed for their second try.
Wesley’s woes continued and the Limerick side had their bonus point in the bag after just 30 minutes, with two further tries. A fifth try made it 35 nil before Wesley eventually got some points on the board just before half time. Accurate passing by O’Regan, Paul Harte and Sam Kenny ended in a try for David Poff in the corner.
Shannon started the second half with the same confidence and enthusiasm going on to score a further four tries. Wesley did cross the line again when David Young picked up an untidy Shannon line out ball near their line to pounce for a try. But apart from that it was not a pretty day for Old Wesley.
Despite the result there is no change to the top four in the league and Old Wesley will play Naas in the promotion semi final play off on Saturday 23rd April.
OLD WESLEY Scorers: Tries: David Poff, David Young. Con: Paddy McKenzie.
OLD WESLEY Team: Jack Maybury; Brendan Monahan, Jack Costigan, David Poff, Paul Harte; Paddy McKenzie, Charlie O’Regan; Sam Kenny, Robert Byrne, Jacob Barrett, Zak Bursey, Iain McGann (capt), Alastair Hoban, Howard Noonan, Brian Short. Replacements: David Young, Cronan Gleeson, Harry Noonan, Mark Robinson, Ewan Watson, Eoin Deegan.