Seconds unfortunate as campaign concludes with loss
Ger Cullen delivers a pass in Wexford Wanderers' narrow win over Malahide on Sunday last.
Wednesday March 10 2010
WEXFORD WANDERERS' J4 side completed their league campaign with a solid performance and were unfortunate not to take the points from a strong Dublin Wanderers side.
With good attendance and perfect weather, the home side went all out for the win and with better finishing could have possibly taken the game. The visitors started the stronger but the home side's defence again stood firm, denying their opponents the necessary yardage to get over the line.
However, after some sustained pressure, they were eventually rewarded with a penalty. Wexford responded well and pressed into their opponents' territory but. following an attempted grub through from out-half Power, the ball was intercepted, resulting in a breakaway try.
The home side again responded well and pressed hard, pinning the Dubliners tight down on the left-hand side. Following a ruck, an attempted clearance from the visitors was blocked down by 'Chopper' O'Leary and Wexford's captain, Alan Kinsella, showed great awareness and agility to pounce, just touching down the ball in the try area to put Wexford back in the frame.
A drop goal from Cilian Gowan left Wexford two points adrift at half-time. Unfortunately, despite sustained pressure from Wexford in the second-half, they were unable to put any further scores on the board.
The game slipped out of their grasp when the visitors scored their second try following a clearance kick and debatable call on the sideline.
Wexford Wanderers and in particular their manager, Declan Rossiter, can be quite pleased with this team's league campaign, their first at seconds level for a number of years. The side finished middle of the table with a points difference of +2, scoring three more tries than they conceded.
They competed strongly in every encounter and must feel that all bodes well for next season where the potential is there to take the league.
However, in the interim there is a small matter of the cup where they take on New Ross at home on March 21. It is also worth noting that Wexford are fielding a third team in the Dunne Cup, a competition that they won two years ago.
