Old Wesley FC J1 V St Marys College RFC J1

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Energia Park

Sunday, 20th February 2022

On a deluge and drought day, with storm Franklin playing tricks, on the back all weather pitch in Energia Park, our J1s ensured their place, next season, in Leinster Metro League 1, by overcoming a lively Old Wesley team. It was a game of variation in fortunes from one moment to the next. The lads had their own storm Franklin with them in the form of scrum half Eoin Franklin, who battled well right through the game.

Having given away an easy try very early in the game and showing difficulty in acclimatising to the pitch surface, especially in the tackle, the team settled into the task, in a game played at Mk1 pace. Niall Donovan, at full back, handled the weather conditions well and made some important sorties, as did the two Mathews and wingers Luke and Darragh. In the second half the team showed absolute determination and although the lead swung from one to the other between two closely matched teams, Marys never gave up, and having eventually pulled ahead, in a frenetic and unyielding finish they held out heroically for a super win, by two points. It was a sporting game and Wesley too, deserve great credit.

Having some top quality players, such as Conor Corcoran and Peter Starrett who were outstanding and who had played some of the senior game yesterday, at their disposal, as well as other up and coming stars, like Aaron O’Neill (who had to withdraw during the game, as he was not feeling well), Joe Nolan, Jamie Coolican Ian Wickham, Kealon Quinn and Loris Nikolov, ensured a strong response. Loris, who injured his hand came back on near the end even though in pain as he was really needed. It has to be said, that every player who stepped on to the pitch did himself and his club proud. The replacements such as George Hassett, Sean Heeran, Conor McElearney, Eoin Power and Eoin Byrne, all made important impacts

The game had its lighter side too. Highly popular Skipper, Podge Dundon, who led his men with great drive and by example, had a boot come apart. On the soaked ground he sat, while DoR, Alan Shirley taped his boot back on. The referee seeing the bandaged boot, later asked Podge if his foot was feeling any better.

Coach Paul Brennan, Management Paul Conlon and Conor O’Neill all deserve unbounding credit and enormous gratitude, as they never gave up during the season in spite of having to search and scrap for players and training time, face trying conditions, and on occasions, severe weather, in efforts to uphold the standards of the second most important team in the club. It was therefore fitting that, that invaluable and dedicated service was lauded by the players in their efforts and their effusive and elated response after the game.

It was worth anything to see the look of joy and relief on the coach’s face.

Well done to all involved.

Team

15 N Donovan, 14 L Mannion, 13 M Talbot, 12 MM Dillon, 11 D Gibson, 10 A O’Neill, 9 E Franklin, 8 C Corcoran, 7 J Nolan, 6 I Wickham, 5 L Nikolov, 4 P Starrett, 3 P Dundon (Capt.), 2 J Coolican, 1 K Quinn, 16 G Hassett, 17 C McElearney, 18 E Byrne, 19 S Heeran, 20 E Power

D O’Brien.