Arklow Rugby Club SE Finals

 

U13 SE Plate 

Vikings vs New Ross 

Arklow Rathdrum U13B Vikings hosted New Ross in the South East Plate semi-final last Sunday at Rathdrum RFC, after weather delays pushed the fixture to 21 December. The Vikings started slowly and New Ross capitalised with three first-half tries. Showing great resilience after the break, the Vikings responded strongly, with Luke Cloke scoring a fine try, expertly converted by Henry Doyle. Despite losing two players to injury and being forced to reorganise, the Vikings continued to battle. They finished the match on the front foot, pinning New Ross inside their 22 for the final ten minutes. Although they couldn’t find another score, the Vikings displayed impressive character and commitment, and now look ahead with optimism to the New Year league competition

Team:  Elliot Radford, Sam Moules, Daragh O'Neill, Luke Cloke, Harry Alexander, Hugh MacArdle, Seoirse Curtis, Tadgh Sheehan, Rory O'Connor, Henry Doyle, Fionn ODonnell, TJ Doyle, Colum Snell, Finn OConnell, Oisin Kearns, Peter Cooper, Mason Nolan, Griffin Coyle, Brogan Curley, Johnny Cashman.

Arklow RC All South east semi finals 

U14 Semi Final Girls 

Wicklow 34

Arklow 0

Arklow delivered a strong performance,in a 34-0 defeat in the Friday night lights derby. Wicklow scored four tries in the first half and added two more after the break, but Arklow showed great resilience and commitment throughout.After a tough opening few ten minutes they went nearly ten minutes in the 1st half without conceding.

An even stronger second half defensive display gave the Arklow crowd something to cheer about.

U14 Boys 

Wexford 19

Arklow 29

Arklow U14s produced a superb all-round performance as they travelled to Wexford Wanderers for the South East Plate semi-final on Saturday last and booked their place in the final. Eager to respond after a recent defeat to Dundalk, Arklow started strongly with the wind at their backs. Tactical kicking and strong defence kept play in Wexford territory, and Iarla pounced on a loose ball for the opening try. Further scores from David Quinn Iarla Gunning  and captain Jude Ivanoff conversion from Donagh Gahan  gave Arklow a 17–12 half-time lead despite a quality Wexford response.

The visitors struck first again after the break, with David completing his brace, before a superb team try finished by Jude extended the lead. Wexford rallied late with two tries, but Arklow showed composure, holding possession and closing out an excellent contest. Sean Mannion  earned Player of the Match, with many standout performances in a fine team display.

1.M. Leeson

2.R. Mangan

3. E. Killoran

4. J.Ivanoff (C)

5. I.Gunning

6. D.Quinn

7. S.Manion

8. J.Langrell

9. S Scanlon

10. D.Gahan

11. H Hulin

12. P.Laffan

13. J.Heath (VC)

14. R.Tinsley

15. O Madigan

16. B.Murphy

17. N.Lipsas

18. H.McGrath

U16 Girls 

Arklow 17 

Rhinos 22

Arklow welcomed Carlow/Tullow Rhinos to the Oval on Saturday in extremely difficult conditions and delivered a hugely committed performance in a thrilling contest decided by the narrowest of margins. Just one try separated the sides at the final whistle, with Arklow pushing the Rhinos all the way in a game that could have gone either way.

The visitors opened the scoring after moving the ball wide, but Arklow responded superbly. Georgia Horan produced a blistering run, showing outstanding pace to cut through the Rhinos defence and level the contest. The match continued at a relentless pace, with Arklow repeatedly answering every Rhinos score. Horan crossed for her second try, while Alanna Kulenovic powered over from close range, showcasing Arklow’s strength and determination to keep the game finely balanced.

Although the Rhinos edged ahead with a late fourth try, Arklow fought relentlessly right to the end and were desperately unlucky not to find the score that would have put them in front. It was a massive team performance.

U 18 Girls 

Arklow 28

Wexford 7

Arklow U18 girls advanced to the South East Cup final with an impressive semi-final win over Wexford at the Oval on December 20th. On a wet pitch and in strong winds, conditions appeared to favour the forwards, but it was the Arklow backs who struck first. Ruby Tracey finished a slick passing move for the opening try to set the tone. The scoreline did not fully reflect a competitive contest, with Arklow’s defence standing firm to deny Wexford despite long spells of pressure. Strong forward play saw Olivia Burke cross for Arklow’s second try before Wexford replied to leave it 14–7 at half-time. Arklow took control after the break, with further tries from Freya Brennan and Laragh O’Callaghan Royo. All four tries were converted by Sophia White. Arklow now face Rhinos in the final early in the new year, with strong contributions from Abbie Byrne, Georgia Horan, Olivia  Burke Emery and Lucy Weld, and great support on the day.