Our old friends, Wilmslow from Cheshire, were the visitors to Dr Hickey Park last Sunday on their annual Ireland tour which has been taking place since 1998. Greystones reciprocate by travelling to the Wilmslow Tournament held in April each year. This year Wilmslow U12’s travelled with a party of 13 players supported by coaches and parents. It was agreed that the game would be played 10v10 in 4 quarters of 12 minutes each to allow Greystones to field as many of their squad as possible.

In warm and sunny conditions watched by a large crowd of parents and spectators, Greystones kicked off and immediately put Wilmslow under pressure in their own half. Following a number of phases of play, centre Mick O’Gara made a slashing break through the midfield to score a fine try. From the restart, Wilmslow attacked strongly and following a ruck close to the line, gigantic prop George Thompson barged his way over to leave the score tied 1-1 at the end of the first quarter. Wilmslow took control of the second quarter and duly took the lead when their scrum half scored an opportunist try from a scrum. Greystones then lost out half Oliver Haydock with a serious foot injury shortly afterwards. Wilmslow were unlucky not to increase their lead but strong defence from Greystones held them out. Greystones also had a number of chances but their finishing let them down leaving the half time score 2 tries to 1 in Wilmslow’s favour.

Greystones dominated the opening exchanges of the third quarter and Conor McAleer scored a clever try when darting over from the back of a 5m scrum to bring the teams level again. The try of the day was then scored by out half David O’Brien who, taking the ball just outside his own goal line, wriggled his way through the Wilmslow forwards and then beat 3 more defenders on a 70m run to the line. Immediately from the kick off, Darragh Rochford fielded the ball and used his pace to score another fine try up the right touchline. Wilmslow then piled on the pressure and from a 5m scrum, classy centre George Whitham used his size and speed to power over. The fourth quarter was evenly contested with both sides having opportunities to score but defences held sway and no further scores were added leaving the final score 4-3 to Greystones.

This was a tough, hard but enjoyable game played in the best spirit. Both teams showed courage, commitment and a high level of skill. A draw would probably have been a fairer result.

Final Score: Greystones 4  Wilmslow 3

Team: Evan Downey, Jonathon Landers, Conor Lacy, Rory Wilson, Patrick Regan, Jack O’Caoimh, Oliver Haydock, Mick O’Gara, Jeremy O’Donovan, Callum McNulty, Niall Dooley, Adam Kelly, Conor Mulcahy, Greg Doyle, Cian Hall, Harry Noonan, Liam Lupton Smith, Liam Marshall, Conor McAleer, David O’Brien, Sean O’Brien, Tommi Happonen, Darragh Rochford, Sam Dooley, Charlie Byrne, Mike Hayes, Andrew Neale, Harry Begley, Fionn O’Connor.