Swords Up To Third After Wexford Win

Wexford 13 Swords 21

Swords racked up their third win in a row and moved up to third place in the league in the process, after seeing off Wexford on Sunday. Three tries and the trusted boot of Dave Cahill kept the Greens' momentum going and ensured the marathon trip to the south east was worthwhile. Devoid of several regulars, Swords deployed flanker Jim Julian in the centre and he gave a performance that Italian forward cum back, Mauro Bergamasco, would be proud of, forming a solid partnership with Jamie Gormly.

The loss of hooker Kieran Corcoran through injury just five minutes in didn't help matters either, but the visitors pulled their sleeves up and got on with the job. Outhalf Richie Cowman opened the scoring finishing off a fine try in the corner, after good work from both forwards and backs. Cahill was off-target with the conversion, but had another chance at the posts soon after, as the Swords pack embarked on one of their trademark rolling mauls to good effect.

Good work up the blindside gave Swords a penalty and the Greens elected to kick for touch. The resulting lineout was caught and Robbie Merrigan eventually grounded in the corner after a huge shove. Cahill couldn't tag on the extras, but made up for his misses with a superb 40 metre penalty just before the break.

The fullback opened the second half as he had ended the first, slotting a penalty from in front of the posts to extend Swords' lead.
More hard yards up front brought about try number three, Cowman kicking a pinpoint ball into the deadball area and Cahill beat off three team mates to get the vital touch down and then converted from out wide.

Wexford did breach the Swords line through a tapped free-kick close in, but the Greens closed out well and hung on for the win.
At times, the fluidity was still lacking, but it is often the sign of a good side to win when not on top form. With 14 points from their opening four games, Swords are on a roll. This week's derby at home to arch-rivals Malahide can't come quick enough.

SWORDS RFC: D. Cahill; L. Price, J. Gormly, J. Julian, D. Gallagher; R. Cowman, J. Kubran; E. O'Donnell, K. Corcoran, E. O'Griofa; F. Coll, J. Condron; S. Mulligan (c), R. Merrigan, M. Corbett. Sub used: P. Jones