February 2, 20203:00 pm

Newbridge RFC vs Wexford Wanderers – MATCH REPORT:

Played in very mild but with a strong wind from end to end this vital lower table match went Wexfordโ€™s way. Wexford were the stronger team in the first half as they managed to turnover at 6 points to 16. However, Newbridge never gave up and scored 10 points to Welfordโ€™s 3 in the second period. Overall Newbridge scored 3 penalties and a converted try to Wexfordโ€™s 2 tries and 3 penalties.

Wexfordโ€™s best period came as they scored a try in the 31st minute followed by penalties in the 37th and 39th minutes. Cashman was on hand in the 40th minute to score a penalty well out on the left. Newbridge now faced an uphill task in the second half as they looked into a strong wind.

The second period was more even as Newbridge slowly got to terms. The passing from both sides in the strong wind proved very difficult and many errors occurred. A number of switches saw Paul McDonald in the centre add a bit of drive to the backs while Paidi Davies came on at No. 8. In the 58th minute Cashman was on hand for Newbridge again as he kicked a good penalty. Wexford added a penalty in the 64th minute from near the halfway line. Newbridge now belatedly started to dominate in all aspects of the field. Liam McGovern came on at fullback as Cashman moved to outhalf. The game swung towards Newbridge as right winger Eimhin Conroy latched on to a weak Wexford pass 20 metres from his own line to run the length of the field to score an excellent try. Cashman kicked the conversion. With 71 minutes gone Newbridge drove at the opposition who were glad to hold out.

Best for Newbridge were Idris Rqibi at No 8 while Paddy Commane and Scott McMullan did well also. In the backs Eimhin Conroy and Liam McGovern showed good skills.

Newbridge: Patrick Commane, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Scott McMullan, Nicholas Harrington, Jeff Draper (Capt), Idris Rqibi, Ian Oโ€™Rahelly, Mark Delaney, Karl Darragh, Stephen Cooke, Denis Clarke, Billy Delaney, Eimhin Conroy, Donal Cashman. Subs: Paul McDonald, Paidi Davies, Liam McGovern.
Match referee was Garret Weldon of St. Marys.

Newbridge are away to Mullingar on Sunday 9th February at 3.00pm.