Wicklow vs Co Carlow

Wicklow 17 Carlow 22.

Carlow’s Rugby team followed up last week’s passion filled derby win over Tullow by taking the scalp of recent league leaders Wicklow on Sunday. This 22 pts to 17 win has moved Carlow back towards promotion territory with three matches to go. The Oakpark Club travelled to Wicklow with almost a full hand for the first time since October. Also they started with the backing of the cold wind blowing in off the Irish sea. But Wicklow scored first when they slipped over for a soft unconverted try in the corner.
Carlow replied almost immediately. Outhalf Paddy Barcoe burst through to score under the posts. Barry Purcell converted to lead 7 – 5. On the stroke of half time the Wicklow outhalf kicked an excellent long distance drop goal into the wind. This gave Wicklow an 8 -7 half time lead and when the same player scored another long distance drop goal early in the 2nd half to open an 11 – 7 gap, the writing seemed to be on the wall for Carlow.
However, against the breeze, Carlow started to run the ball and find holes in the Wicklow cover. The strong play of the Waddock brothers was augmented by half time sub Tommy Ratahi and the full Carlow backline. A Wicklow played was yellow carded for killing the ball under his own posts. Purcell converted the penalty to make it 11 – 10. Another long distance Wicklow penalty made it 14 – 10 to the home team.
Then followed a series of Wicklow 22 metre and half way drop outs each followed by Carlow players surging immediately back again to the Wicklow line. First was a McDonagh break which led to John Clare skinning his opposite number to score far out. Purcell converted to put Carlow into a 17 – 14 lead. Next a good handling movement involving Barcoe, Mark Elmes and McDonagh saw Wes Shirley getting an unconverted try. This gave Carlow an 8 point cushion with 10 minutes left. Wicklow pulled out all the stops but their only reward was a last minute penalty which brought them a losing bonus point at 17 – 22 down.
Next out Carlow play Portlaoise at home.

Carlow J1.
Barry Purcell, John Clare, Ross Byrne, Captain, Thomas McDonagh, Ian Pearson, Paddy Barcoe, Mark Elmes, Ross Elmes, Joe Gorman, Chris Byrne Wes Shirley, Barry Waddock, JJ Waddock D Murphy, J Bulmer.
Subs used. Tommy Ratihi for Murphy, Larry McGrath for R Elmes.