Leinster League - Wexford

Swords 27 Wexford 22
SWORDS made hard work of their fourth league win of the season at ALSAA on Saturday, in what was very much the proverbial game of two halves. Racking up a healthy 22-3 half-time lead, a combination of injuries, tired legs and infringements at the breakdown allowed Wexford back in for three tries and in the end Swords had to dig deep to hold on.

On a playing surface more suitable for mud wrestling than rugby, Swords began the brighter and took the lead in the opening 10 minutes through Mal Bradley.The back row bundled over from close range after the pack had gone close on three occasions and fullback,

Dave Flynn, tagged on the extras.Swords had a second try on the board 10 minutes later through right wing Robin Kiely. Kiely came in off his wing to take a pass from outhalf Richie Cowman and fed centre Mike Finnegan. Finnegan tried to find more support, though the ball went loose, and Kiely won the footrace to touch down Loic Guyomarc¹h¹s hack through. Flynn did the honours once more and Swords were 14-0 up. Wexford came to life shortly after, Swords conceded a penalty - their first of many at the breakdown - and the southerners knocked it over for their first points. Swords responded well and found a third try through prop Edward Flannery.

Following a lineout near the Wexford 22, the Green pack rumbled on and eventually Flannery grounded at the bottom.The hosts really ought to have put the game to bed in the first half, as a number of chances, particularly out wide, went a begging. The second half was always going to be a struggle for both sides on such a muddy surface and Swords¹ cause wasn¹t helped by a spate of injuries. Midway through the half, Swords lost the influential Cowman, followed shortly after by busy openside flanker, Jim Julian, which limited both their defence and attack.

Wexford came back once more and found two tries from nowhere, both the result of slack defending close in, with the second courtesy of more than a hint of knock-on along the way.That decision was one of a number which baffled Swords, as time after time they were pinged at ruck time. To their credit, they remained resolute, but could have been further punished. They pulled further ahead and secured the bonus point with another catch and drive from a lineout, where second row, Joe Leyden, claimed the touch down. There was still enough time for Wexford to find a late consolation, breaking from their own half to set up a nerve-jangling finish and give the score line a less realistic reflection on proceedings.

Swords can take heart from the likes of Shane Mulligan¹s performance - filling in at captain after the loss of skipper Matt Child for the remainder of the season - and French centre Guyomarc'h, who looked dangerous in attack throughout. Preparations continue for their Towns Cup debut away to Roscrea at the end of February, along with hopes of drier weather between now and then.

SWORDS RFC: D. Flynn; R. Kiely, L. Guyomarc¹h, M. Finnegan, K. McDonagh; R.Cowman, J. Kubran; E. O¹Griofa, K. Corcoran, E. Flannery; J. Leyden, F.Coll; M. Bradley, J. Julian, S. Mulligan.