Flynn shows nerves of steel
PERFECT WEATHER, near-perfect match conditions, but not so perfect match. With so much riding on the result, for Wexford in particular, this Leinster League game lacked a little bit of fluency.
Wanderers did, however, stick by their conviction and unilateral self-belief and ultimately got the desired result even if it was with the last kick of the game. As two teams go up this year and Wexford are now lying second, their destiny in terms of what division they ply their trade in next year is solely in their hands.
The game was a bit edgy at the start, with both sides committing an amount of unforced errors. The visitors were first on the board with a well-struck penalty which demonstrated to all that they had a very competent kicker on board.
However, Wexford responded well when a turn over ball, 50 yards out, was quickly spun wide to the right, only to find Maurice Logue who carved through the opposition to score deep on the right.
Malahide, despite being dominated a little, managed to cross the line again following a probing kick to the right and a fortunate bounce. Several successful penalties later and Wexford, despite turning five points in arrears, found themselves four points up thanks to the boot of John Flynn.
Wexford failed to close the game out and Malahide managed to take advantage. Following a blocked clearance kick, the visitors touched down to put themselves unexpectedly ahead. Penalties were exchanged and with less than five minutes to go the home side were six points in arrears.
Wanderers kept their focus even if they lost a little bit of shape. Their resolve was sternly tested and in fairness they responded well and got themselves into a scoring position. This they managed to achieve following a succession of phases and strong carries.
Mark Whelan picked well from the eight position and drove forward. The ball was ultimately spun right where John Flynn was on hand to crash over the line.
With the maths not in Wexford's favour, they were still a point adrift from their opponents. Up stood Flynn to attempt the conversion wide on the right. Following an excellent strike, the two touch judges were not in agreement. The ball soared above the top of the uprights with the sun on its back, making the touch judges' task more difficult.
The referee, unable to make the call, had regardless correctly assessed that the Malahide team had run at the kick while shouting in the process. As such, a penalty from the same spot was awarded.
Cometh the hour as they say, and up stepped John Flynn again to take what was potentially a season-defining kick at goal. Much to the joy of the large attendance, he delivered and Wexford took a giant step further in their league promotion aspirations.
On Sunday next, Wexford host Enniscorthy in the second round of the Provincial Towns Cup. Be early to ensure admission.
