Inspired ALSAA best in Donnybrook test

Old Wesley 13 ALSAA 29

WHAT a difference a week makes. Fresh from their play-off defeat to Railway Union, ALSAA returned to the scene of the crime and received some form of retribution with a deserved win over Old Wesley at Donnybrook. A reshuffled side saw changes in most departments, but it was the usual suspects who saw the ‘SAA safely through to a meeting with Barnhall.

Tries from wings Robin Kiely and Des Ryan, as well as stalwart centre Dave Cahill and the energetic Joe Fitzachary saw the Swords side romp home. A brief shower gave the beleaguered pitch some much needed moisture and certainly made for softer landings than the previous week.

ALSAA began brightly and took the lead five minutes in with Cahill the architect. Following quick recycling, the ball was fed right where Cahill chipped over the cover and Kiely chased, gathered and stepped his marker for the try in the corner. Cahill was off-target with the conversion, though it wasn't long before his kicking duties were called upon once more.

This time Ryan crashed through three tackles after Ivor O'Loughlin's offload for the score. Cahill converted and soon added seven more points as the centre cut through a gap inside the Wesley ‘22' and grounded near the posts. The centre blotted his copy book as he was sin-binned just before half-time for mouthing to the referee, with his side 19-3 up, Wesley managing a solitary penalty.

SAA continued where they left off after the break. Flanker Fitzachary slotted in a centre and soon made the result safe with an excellent try, taking a superb angle and carving open the Wesley cover. Mike Finnegan deputised for Cahill in the kicking department, before the centre returned from the bin to knock over a penalty.

Wesley pressed on and managed two late tries, both the result of rolling mauls, though the result was never in doubt and ALSAA held on for a resolute victory.

ALSAA scorers: R. Kiely, try; D. Ryan, try; J. Fitzachary, try; M. Finnegan, conversion; D. Cahill, try, 2 conversions, penalty.