Wesley Stumble on Sharp Stones
Leinster Senior Cup – Old Wesley 35 Greystones 39
After a 6 week break Old Wesley returned to competitive rugby with a visit to Greystones in the revamped Leinster Senior Cup. But the county Wicklow side proved the sharper outfit regularly exposing Old Wesley’s defence and turning over possession. And despite Wesley’s dominance in the scrum and line out it was the host that took the honours on the night.
Greystones were on the scorecard after just 40 seconds with a try run from their own 22. Wesley regained composure and Matthew Bursey responded to level the sides after 10 minutes. But then in a 10 minutes spell Greystones ran riot crossing for three tries and a penalty to take a 29-7 lead. Then just when it looked like Wesley were doomed Isaac Leota got in for a try after an attacking spell, and minutes later veteran out half turned scrum half Alan Large intercepted a move to score a second. Both tries were converted by Tim Clifford to leave the scores at a far more respectable 29-21 to Greystones at half time.
Now playing with the breeze advantage things looked a lot more optimistic for the visitors, however ‘Stones thought different and crossed for the first score of the second half. Large was in again for Old Wesley when he pounced on a loose ball after Wesley had driven back the opposition scrum but Greystones maintained the initiative crossing to make it 28-39 with 10 minutes to go. Wesley piled on the pressure and with the clock in injury time Ger Finucane crossed for a try which was converted by Greg Hawe to leave Wesley trailing by just 4 points. From the restart Wesley regained possession and attacked from deep but the ball eventually went loose and a Greystones player gladly kicked it to touch to end the match.
A disappointing result for Old Wesley but Greystones certainly deserved the win. There is now a two week break before resumption of the AIL with a visit to Naas on Friday 27th January.
Old Wesley scorers: Matthew Bursey, Try; Isaac Leota, Try; Alan Large, 2 Tries; Ger Finucane Try; Tim Clifford, 4 Cons; Greg Hawe, Con.