Arklow Edge Out Rathdrum in a Cracker

Arklow 1st XV: 10, Rathdrum 1st XV: 8

If this is the rugby that is going to be on show for the winter, then anyone thinking about going to watch a match had better get along.

This was a cracker of a match -physical, fast and exciting with both teams counter-attacking whenever possible. Arklow gained early dominance at the scrums and it was a gutsy effort by the Rathdrum eight that saw them work hard for at least some parity when it came to scrum time.

But it was Rathdrum's defence that was the highlight of the day as Arklow attacked time and time again but were stopped in their tracks by a resolute Rathdrum defence, led superbly by the hard-hitting Kerrin Buck. Arklow took a while to settle into the game and it was on the 20-minute mark that saw Barry O'Neill finish a forward movement to score Arklow's try. . Rathdrum replied with a penalty to bring the score at half-time to 5-3 to Arklow. Rathdrum started brightly in the second half with full-back Conor Parsons regathering his kick downfield to run in a nice solo try and Rathdrum led 8-5. Arklow came back with all guns blazing but had to work hard for their next try and after taking advantage of a Rathdrum mistake, quickly moved the ball wide to score in the corner.

Neither team could find the edge to finish the game and it was Rathdrum who could have taken the lead but the penalty kick went wide. The game finished 10-8 in favour of Arklow and both teams could go away happy with the way they presented themselves and the display of excellent rugby they produced.

Arklow's man of the match went to Bobby Baggot and Rathdrum's went to Cormac Henry.

Arklow 2nd XV: 0, Rathdrum 2nd XV: 3

Although the scoreline reflects a dour match between these two teams, it was quite the opposite in this pre-season friendly fixture.

Both teams were intent on playing an expansive game with just the finishing touches missing. Neither side could get the advantage at any stage and finished the game with a share of the set-pieces.

Rathdrum's only points came from a Brian Burke penalty after an infringement at the ruck by an Arklow forward. Both teams looked to be well-organised and fit for this early time of the season and did their best to play the best rugby they could.

Arklow's player of the day went to Richie Kavanagh and Rathdrum saw Willy Byrne getting their player of the day.