By John Shirley
Carlow’s senior mens rugby team have opened their 2016-17 season with a 21 – 7 home win against New Ross in the South East League.
In a lively match, played at Oakpark under lights on Tuesday night, a new look Carlow scored three converted tries while New Ross had a converted try plus a penalty.
Carlow’s first try came when the full back cut a nice line to touch down near the posts. The second came when alert hooker Conal Slater intercepted, broke up field and passed to number 8 Wes Shirley who completed the try.
For a period in the second half New Ross threatened to spoil Carlow’s night by bringing the score back to 14 – 10 but Carlow closed out the game five minutes from the end with their third converted try.
Again this season, Carlow continue with the same coaching team of Padraig Brennan and Ross Byrne, both former Club captains.
On the field of play the squad is joined by former Under 18 players such as Sam Dunne, Gearoid Dunbar, Rudi Corcoran and Jack Hickie.
Eddie Keating and Mark Slye are back playing after being out for most of last season with long term injuries.
The ambition this season is to play more open – a la Connacht style, rugby aided by the ex under 18 newcomers to the side.
The teams next outing in the South East League is an away joust against Arklow this Tuesday (6th Sept) followed by a home game against Kilkenny next Sunday (11th Sept).
Carlow XV
Tom Bolger, Adam Dowling, Simon Walsh, Fionan Burke, Sam Dunne, Harry Hennessey, Gearoid Dunbar, Eddie Keating, Conal Slater, Alan Byrne, Thomas Whitney, John Lyons, Niall Bermingham, Thomas Ratahi Captain, Wes Shirley.
Subs used Mark Slye, Ross Byrne, Rudi Corcoran, Jack Hickie.
