All Ireland League – Old Wesley 27 Blackrock 38
Old Wesley had to settle for a 4 Try bonus point, losing to newly promoted Blackrock at Donnybrook.
Old Wesley had the ideal start with a try after just two minutes by Harry Noonan off a line out maul. Blackrock responded with a converted try before Alex Molloy scored one of his classic tries which was converted by Eoin Monahan. Rock again responded to even the scores at 12 all. Another Blackrock try gave them a five-point lead before Monahan kicked a long range penalty to leave the scores at 17-15 to the visitors at half time.
The third quarter was not a good one for Old Wesley. Their line out was experiencing difficulties and they struggled to retain possession. This was not helped by the concession of 2 yellow cards; the first for a deliberate knock on by Tom Larke, and then for a dangerous tackle by Reuben Pim. During this period Wesley conceded two more tries to give Blackrock a 16-point lead. A well worked Nathan Randles try in the corner gave Wesley a chink of light but Rock quickly closed the door with a converted try, putting the game out of reach for Old Wesley.
As the final whistle approached a break by Stephen Smyth and a neat offload led to a fourth try for Wesley scored by Diarmuid Scannel, converted by Tom Larke.
Not the ideal result for Wesley with only the consolation of a 4 try bonus point.
Click here for photos by Ken Richardson
Team: Tom Larke; Nathan Randles, Alex Molloy, Eoin Murphy, Tommy O’Callaghan; Eoin Monahan, Ben Stephens; Harry Noonan, Howard Noonan, Cronan Gleeson, David Motyer, Billy Corrigan, Josh O’Hare, Reuben Pim (capt), Stephen Smyth. Replacements: Kieran O’Shea, Rob O’Donovan, Cathal Kelly, Fergus Jemphrey, Diarmaid Scannell, Sam Burns.
Old Wesley Scorers: Tries: Harry Noonan, Alex Molloy, Nathan Randles, Diarmaid Scannell; Cons: Eoin Monahan, Tom Larke; Pen: Eoin Monahan