FIRST WDSL LEAGUE WINNERS OF THE 2022 SEASON

The honour of being the first WDSL League winners of the 2022 season fell to Wicklow Rovers U12 A.

They lifted the U12 Premier Division crown by defeating Coolboy Rangers 5-1 on Saturday morning (September 10) at the Coolboy Community Sportsfield.

The Green and Whites were due to host Coolboy on Wednesday September 7 last at the Rocky Road. But Rangers were unable to field a team and conceded the fixture.

But under WDSL rules, a team cannot win a League from a walk-over.

In the reverse fixture, Sam Conyard gave the visitors the lead which was doubled by half time by Richard Carton.

After the interval, Daniel Connolly grabbed a brace with Ryan Cox also on the score-sheet for the away side.

On the field of play though, Rovers are unbeaten in their seven competitive matches to date this year.

They’ve overcome St. Patrick’s AFC (Avoca), Arklow Town A and St. Anthony’s Kilcoole United A at Whitegates.

On the road, they’ve defeated Greystones United AFC A at the Woodlands, St. Anthony’s Kilcoole United A at Dermot Wheeler Park in Kilcoole and St. Patrick’s AFC at Rooster Park in Avoca while also drawing with Newtown Juniors at the Community Grounds

Wicklow still have two matches to fulfil – entertaining both Newtown Juniors and Greystones United AFC A at home at Whitegates/Rock Road later this month.

The Wicklow Rovers A panel consists of Sam Czwalina; Ben O’Leary, Harry Bowen, Harry Kavanagh, Kale Conyard, Luke Connolly, Milo Malcomson, Ryan Cox, Richard Carton, Sam Conyard, Tiernan Shortall, Daniel Connolly and Tommy Morrissey.

Jointly managed by Maurice Dunne and Kevin Czwalina.

After beating St. Anthony’s Kilcoole United FC A 4-2 at the Community Grounds on Tuesday September 6 last, Newtown Juniors could finish as runners-up if they win their two remaining games, or take four points, against Wicklow Rovers A and St. Patrick’s AFC.

Report Paul Dowling.