A fantastic encounter at the Whitegates this morning was played between the under 11’s of Wicklow Rovers and Arklow Town in the quarter final of the under 12 Division 2 Jako Cup. Both teams poured everything into the game and produced a fine spectacle for the large crowd in attendance. Arklow took the lead midway through the first half only for their opener to be cancelled out when Mikie O’Neill went through on goal to level matters. Arklow regained the lead minutes before half time and took a 2-1 lead into the break. Rovers rallied and came out flying in the second half, but Arklow matched them, and the game was finely balanced when Mikie O’Neill again equalised for the boys in green. Rovers Keeper Ben Morrissey was called upon to produce some fine saves in the second half. At this stage the game could have gone either way but Mikie O’Neill coolly finished his and Rovers third with around ten minutes remaining. This proved to be the match winner with Rovers prevailing 3-2 at full time. The game was a thrill from the first to final whistle and the coaches couldn’t be prouder of the performances of their respectful teams. Credit to Mikie for his hat-trick but this wouldn’t have been possible without his 12 team mates who gave everything and left nothing on the field. Thanks to Arklow for the epic encounter and we look forward to fantastic battles in the future.