WICKLOW ROVERS CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 18th JULY 2021
Our Leinster Senior side kicked off their season with a 3-3 draw at home to Finglas Utd. The lads started off well and controlled the early part of the game, but it was the away side that went in front against the run of play. Rovers levelled through Tommy Smullen three minutes after and then found themselves in front through Dylan Orr goal a minute later. The away side levelled before both sides traded another goal each with David O’Connor calmly sending the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot for Rovers third after Daniel Tarcevskis was taken down in the area. The lads will feel they should have picked up all three points, but it is a solid start considering the unbearable heat and it been the first game of the season.
Our Wicklow League premier side played three games this week, on Tuesday night they recorded a good 4-1 win at home to Ashford Rovers. At 1-0 to Wicklow the away side missed at spot kick with Wicklow going up the other end straight away and making it 2-0. The lads made no mistake after this rattling in another two goals before the away side nabbed a late consolation. Scorers on the night were Jamie Power, James Lang, Andrew Earls and Jack Fox. In a good team performance Jack Fox and James Lang stood out. In their second game on Thursday night, they drew 2-2 with old foes Arklow Town at Whitgates. Rovers went in front through Dean Noble but with fifteen minutes to go Arklow levelled. Soon after the away team took the lead, but Rovers never gave up and with five minutes remaining Jack Fox equalised for a deserved share of the spoils. On Sunday the lads played their third game of the week when they took on Aughrim at Allen Park. They had a comfortable 8-0 win, highlight of the day was a superb hat-trick from Andrew Earls to bring his tally to five in four games. Karl Earls, Jamie Noble, Adam Cuddihy, Jamie Power and Sam Brown all hit one a piece in a clinical display which sees them qualify for the semi-final next Sunday but as of yet their semi-final opponents are not known.
Junior action started on Wednesday night with the 12A’s recording a good win away to a gallant Newtown Juniors team. NJ Sinnott nabbed four, Ciaran McCaul fired home a hat-trick with Dan Farrell getting one in a good team performance. On Thursday night the 13A’s recorded an excellent 7-0 win away to Roundwood, Naoise Delaney netted a superb hat-trick, Cathal Cannon scored a double with one a piece coming from Ronan Phelan and Sam Behan in a good team display. On Saturday the under 12 White team played out a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Greystones Utd A, Charlie Gavin hit two and Martha Lambert scored one in an excellent team performance. The 14A’s recorded a good 4-0 away win over Avonmore, Jack Neville helped himself to a brace with Steven Kavanagh and Arthur Curran adding singles in an impressive display. The 14B’s went down to a very strong Shillelagh side losing 6-0, to be fair the team gave a hundred percent and were a little unlucky not to register a score or two themselves.
Week 1 of our annual soccer fun camp was a major success with well in excess of 100 girls and boys participating. We were blessed with the weather and of course the skilful players that were on view. All the kids had a fantastic time and played football with a smile on their faces, the way it should be. A massive thanks to our coaches and administration staff for organising and running the event. Thanks to the parents of the kids for your support, without you all this wouldn’t happen. Most importantly thanks to the main people ‘’the kids’’, all your happy little faces and your willingness to learn makes it all the worth while for us at the club, when the kids are happy, we are happy, that’s what we are here for. Thank you one and all. Just to let everyone know there are places still available for week 2 but as places are being booked up quickly it would be advisable to book your place asap. There is a discount to anyone who participated in week one. The dates for week two of our camp are Monday 26th of July to Friday 30th of July. The camp will take place in the Whitegates and will run daily from 10am to 2pm. The camp is for children from 4 years old to 13 years old, the cost is €65 per child, €120 for 2 children from same family, €170 for 3 children from same family, €200 for 4 children from same family. For registration forms or further information please contact Johnny Dunne 087-7802098 , Jimmy Nolan 087-9108706 or any committee member. Registration forms can also be downloaded from club website at www.wicklowrovers.com . Alternatively you can register online by visiting our club shop website at www.wicklowroversclubshop.com *Every participant will receive a ball and a jersey.* All participants should bring a packed lunch, drink, rain jacket, football boots and shin guards.
The club’s weekly junior soccer academy continues every Saturday morning [weather permitting] under the watchful eye of senior club coaches Johnny Dunne, Stephen Clarke and Jimmy Nolan. The academy takes place on the club grounds at Whitegates and is open to all kids from the age of 3 years to 8 years. The academy starts at 11 o’clock and finishes at 12. There is no need for registration so you can come along to any week that suits. Come along and learn the skills of football while having fun and enjoyment, it’s a great way of meeting new friends as you learn the skills as you get prepared for the introduction to participate in organised league football in the coming years.
