November 3, 20192:30 pm

Wexford Wanderers RFC vs Newbridge RFC – MATCH REPORT:

This was a game in which Wexford appeared, in the early stages, to have run away with it but Newbridge never gave up and clawed their way back to earn a bonus point in the end. Both sides opened up the game at every opportunity and it was end to end scoring throughout. Wexford won by scoring 5 tries with 3 converted to Newbridgeโ€™s 3 tries with 2 converted and 2 penalties.

Wexford got off to a flying start with good pressure on the Newbridge defence and scored near the posts after 4 minutes. 7 minutes later they were in for another try in the corner. In a break upfield Newbridge outhalf Ronan Skehan kicked a penalty from 32 metres out on the right-hand side. At 12 points to 3 Wexford still piled on the pressure and scored a converted try in the 34th minute to leave it at 19 points to 3 at the break.

Newbridge were under pressure particularly in the scrum and conceded another converted try in the 44th minute. Now at 26 points to 3 it looked very bleak for Newbridge. However, the Rosetown side now began to make some vital changes which kicked in very quickly as they drove through in the loose at every opportunity. Mark Doyle came on at wing forward and Nicholas Harrington in the second row as both dug deep. Doyle got over in the 48th minute for a try which Skehan converted. Donal Cashman was introduced at fullback while Liam McGovern on the left wing made some telling runs. Wexford added to their score with a pushover try in the 59th minute. Newbridge left it late but drew on all their reserves of strength and fitness as scrum half Mark Delaney touched down against the posts in the 67th minute for a try with Skehan converting. Delaney was again on hand in the 73rd minute to score a try. As the pressure really mounted on Wexford, Newbridge received a series of penalties near the line but with time up they took the kick at goal to save a bonus point.

The young debutants of Jack Moore and Cameron English did well while Mark Doyle at wing forward and Keith Moran in the second row had terrific commitment throughout. Ronan Skehan at outhalf performed very well while Stephen Cooke on the right wing caused turmoil in the Wexford defence every time, he got possession.

Newbridge: Paddy Commane, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Jack Moore, Keith Moran, Jeff Dreaper (Capt), Scott McMullan, Ronan Mangan, Mark Delaney, Ronan Skehan, Liam McGovern, Billy Delaney, Eimhin Conroy, Stephen Cooke, Karl Darragh, Subs: Cameron English, Nicholas Harrington, Mark Doyle, Donal Cashman.

Newbridge are at home in Rosetown to Mullingar on Sunday next 10th November at 2.30 pm.