Leinster League Division 2A

Newbridge 22   Wexford 19

Played with no breeze to contend with and on a pitch which had absorbed a lot of rain this was a tight game. Newbridge totally dominated the first half but in the second half the Wexford scrum and lineout became dominant. Overall Newbridge played the better and more open rugby throughout, and they scored three tries with two of them converted and a penalty. Wexford also had three tries with two of them converted.

Wexford got off to the better start and after a lot of pressure they scored in the 5^th minute with a converted try under the posts. Newbridge were quickly back up the field and centre David Mullins got over for a try in the 8^th minute after a good break from scrum half Kevin Commane. Robbie Waters converted. In the 14^th minute Robbie Waters kicked a penalty from 25 metres out straight in front of the posts. After a lot of pack pressure prop Alex Mateus got over out wide for a try for Newbridge. In only their second entry into the Newbridge 22 metres area Wexford were back again in the 32^nd minute to score a try out on the flanks. The Score at half time was Newbridge 15 Wexford 12.

In the second period Ronan Skehan came on for David Mullins in the centre. It was Wexford who broke through the Newbridge defence in the 51^st minute as they scored a converted try under the posts. Alex Mateus came off injured and was replaced by Alfie Thompson. Brendan Tiernan also came on at this stage for Mike Doyle. At 15 points to 19 down things did not look good for the home side. However, in the best move of the match Newbridge ran the ball to the wing for Liam McGovern to get over in the corner. Robbie Waters converted.

A number of players were injured going into this match and so they will have to put out their best team as they play Athy away in the final game of the Leinster League next Sunday.

Referee Ian McGovern ran the game well from start to finish.

Newbridge: Alex Mateus, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Scott McMullan, Cameron English, Mike Doyle, Jeff Draper (Capt), Pierce Dargan, Kevin Commane, Zach Meehan, Dinny Clarke, Oliver Feagin, Willie Ryan, Fergal Doyle. Subs: Alfie Thompson, Paddy Corbett, Brendan Tiernan, Ronan Skehan, David Mullins, Adam Bingham.

On Sunday next Newbridge are away to Athy in the Showgrounds with the kick-off at 3pm.