Winters Cup Quarter Final – Old Wesley 23 Tallaght 8
Confidence was brewing amongst the Old Wesley Wyverns eager to continue their very impressive winning streak, in a game that would bring them one step closer to winning the prestigious Winters Cup. The atmosphere in the changing room as always was electric. The warm up started off shaky but quickly adjusting to the conditions, Old Wesley were back to their precise tight knit form.
Wesley took off at lighting pace and with quick aggressive rucking within the first 2 minutes had scrum half Willy “The Ginga Ninja” Wood in for the first try and Michael “reliable boot” Glynn successfully converting through very questionably maintained posts. 7-0. The game continued with fluidity from backs and ruthless defence all-round. Maybe too ruthless as Graham “tackle lower” White was penalised; Tallaght happily converted. Wesley got straight back into it putting pressure on Tallaght’s defence eventually leading to a yellow card due to hands at the breakdown, Glynn converts.
The half time team talk was clear and effective from the coaches. Also Peter “Want to be Glee star” Wallace gave us the much needed guidance to propel us into the second half. Chris “the oriental” Coghlan’s silky side step was found to be unbearable for Tallaght’s defence allowing him to score easily in the corner. The conversion was missed but another penalty was awarded to Wesley. The game continued and a small blip in Wesley’s usually very reliable defence allowing Tallaght’s number 8 to run in for a try. Tallaght’s hopeful optimism of a comeback was soon laid to rest as a great set piece move had the ball through the backline into Wesley’s David “Muscle Flex” Flower’s hands running in for a try making the final score 23-8
A great team performance all around by Old Wesley who go on to face Old Belvedere in the Semi-finals this Saturday. Honourable mention to the ever so flexible player Alan O’Connor for helping out the backs this week.