Old Wesley 17 Queen's University 23
Played in dry, but cool and breezy conditions this was a match with many twists and turns and a dramatic finale that even Steven Spielberg would be proud of.
From the start it was obvious that Old Wesley had the strength up front but the visitors compensated with a lively and useful back line. The home team had a dream start when, just six minute into the game and on their first visit the opposition 22, they won clean line out for Phil Hosie to drive over. Team Captain Greg Jacob converted. Minutes later the students gained revenge when they broke through the centre to score under the posts and level the score. For the next twenty minutes Queens looked the more likely to score, and with a lineout five meters out it looked as though they would. But the throw was crooked and Wesley were able to lift the siege. On the half hour some slick back line play brought Wesley to within seven meters where Queens infringed in the ruck leading to a penalty and yellow card. Opting for the scrum and with Queens down a man it looked as though a try was imminent, but the visitors’ defence held firm. However from the unlikely platform of a Queens scrum Dan van Zyl picked a loose ball to put Alan Large away in the corner. Jacob again converted leaving the score 14-7 at half time.
With both teams now eager to run the ball it was not surprising that the first penalty kick attempt was not until the second half when Queens, playing with the breez,e narrowed the lead to 14-10 with a relatively easy kick. Wesley started to make inroads with some entertaining rugby but some opportunities fell victim of handling errors and the nearest thing to a score was an Alan Large penalty kick that went wide. Entertaining the final quarter it was the visitors who struck with a try following a fine back line movement, taking the lead for the first time in the match. With ten minutes to go and following some threatening play Wesley were awarded a penalty on the 22 which Greg Jacob converted to regain the lead. But the Wesley spectators’ celebrations were short lived as, following a fluffed 22 drop out, Queens pounced on a loose ball and snuck in for an unconverted try in the corner. A converted Queens penalty moments later extended the lead to six points with less than 5 minutes to go.
Cue drama. With last play approaching Wesley were awarded a penalty on the opposition 22. Opting for the kick to touch it looked as though the home team might snatch a victory when Colin Wallace crossed the line and the referee signalled a try. However the touch judge did not agree and deemed the ball was knocked on before grounding and the referee changed his decision. But there was still hope and play reverted to a Wesley penalty advantage. Again Wesley attacked and on a number of occasions were preciously close to a try. Eventually they crossed and following a long period of examination, the referee deemed the ball was held up over the line and he blew the final whistle.
Disappointment was an understatement in the Wesley camp and once again the home team were forced to lick their wounds and wait for another day.
Old Wesley: Rory Stynes, Barry McLaughlin, Alan Thompson, Richie Jermyn, Alan Large, Mark Geraghty, Dan van Zyl, Tristan Goodbody, John Rowe, Simon Goldsmith, Philip Hosie, Iain McGann, Richie Murphy, Greg Jacob (capt), Colin Wallace. Subs Oltian Dervishi, Darragh Kelly, David Whately, Steven Walsh, Brian Doherty.
Old Wesley scores: Philip Hosie (try), Alan Large (try), Greg Jacob (2 con, pen)
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