Leinster League Division 2

Wexford Wanderers 19   Newbridge 33

This was an open game played in very fine conditions and on an excellent pitch. Newbridge were 14 points to 5 down after 26 minutes but their focus and drive saw them come back into the match and deservedly win this game. Wexford scored 3 tries with 2 conversions to Newbridge’s 5 tries with 4 converted.

This bonus point win for the Newbridge side saw them dig deep early on in a match which was well refereed by Keith Spendlode from Naas. Newbridge got off to the perfect start when a knock on by Wexford was seized upon by the alert Newbridge hooker Will Jennings who collected the ball and ran from the half-way line to score. On 15 minutes the Wexford centre broke free following a scrum to score near the posts. On 26 minutes Wexford threw the ball to the wing and their right winger rounded two tackles to score in the corner for a good try which was converted. Newbridge got to grips with the game now and in the 34^th minute winger Dave Mullins got over for a try after good pressure from their pack. Outhalf Robbie Waters converted from out wide. In the 39^th minute Oliver Feigan was quickly onto a lovely chip from his outhalf to gather and score a good try which Waters converted. The half time score was 14 points to 19.

In the 51^st minute scrumhalf Kevin Commane latched on to a good pass from second row Tom Treacy for try which Waters converted. Wing forward Denis Clarke was the man to make the drive and break for Commanes try. In the 65^th minute Will Jennings was on hand to get the touchdown for his second try from a pushover. Waters converted. Prop Dave Morgan made way for Alex Mateus and Pierce Dargan got on for the injured fullback Mark Delaney. Donal Cashman replaced Robbie Waters. Zach Meehan replaced Dave Mullins. In the final minute of the match Wexford got over for a try.

Best for Newbridge were Will Jennings at hooker and Denis Clarke at wing forward while Billy Delaney tackled everything Wexford threw at him and Ollie Feigan’s bursts were vital.

Newbridge: Dave Morgan, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Scott McMullan, Cameron English, Jeff Draper (Capt), Tom Treacy, Denis Clarke, Kevin Commane, Robbie Waters, Billy Delaney, Oliver Feigan, Fergal Doyle, Dave Mullins, Mark Delaney. Subs: Alex Mateus, Alfie Thompson, Donal Cashman, Pierce Dargan, Zach Meehan.

Newbridge are away to North Kildare at 2.00 pm on 5^th December at the Maws Kilcock.

Leinster League Division 2A (Seconds)

Wexford 22   Newbridge  24

This young Newbridge side were dominant throughout this match but did not manage to put the heavier Wexford side away. Tries came from centre Karl Darragh who got 2, wing forward Paul Condon and debutant winger Gavin Houlihan. Outhalf Donal Cashman kicked 2 conversions. It was great to see two players from our Under 20s panel, Gavin Houlihan and Ronan Cooney making their first Senior appearances. Both had a big part to play in the win.

Newbridge: from Alan O’Connor, Alfie Thompson, Shaun Harrington, Paddy Corbett, Pierce Dargan, Paul Condon, Darragh Barron, Niall O’Connor, Liam McGovern, Donal Cashman, Ryan Jenkins, Willie Ryan, Karl Darragh, Gavin Houlihan, Conor O’Brien, Daire Timmons, Slade Rigby, Ronan Cooney, Patrick Kavanagh.

Newbridge are away to North Kildare at 12.30 pm on 5^th December at the Maws Kilcock.