WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 9th JULY 2023
Our youths A team took on Avonmore in the youth’s cup final on Saturday at Shamrock Park in Rathnew. Rovers who were missing some key players due to holidays fell behind in the first period, but they had the chances before the break to level but didn't take advantage. Early in the second half Avonmore doubled their lead from a well struck free kick. This seemed to wake Rovers and they started to push the Rathdrum based side back. Unfortunately for Rovers they found the Avonmore keeper in inspired form as he pulled off three fantastic saves. Rovers got one back with twenty minutes left on the clock but hard that they tried they couldn't breach the Avonmore defence a second time. Well done on reaching the final lads and congrats to Avonmore on their success.
Our U12B's were away to a strong Newtown Juniors side in the shield on Tuesday evening, and they continued their fine form of late with a hard fought 0-0 draw. An understrength Rovers battled throughout, Matthew Gough had a man of the match performance in goal, sweeping up anything Newtown tried to put together. Captain Chris Delahunt made up for the missing players by covering every blade of grass on the pitch and Eoghan Daye, led Charlie Lawlor and Rian Kavanagh at the back to stop any Newtown advances. A big thank you to our U11's Ryan Newsome for turning out and having a fine performance up front. Thanks to Newtown for a great game and now on to a well earned mid-season break. On Wednesday night the 12A’s maintained their good form in the shield with a 2-0 victory away to St Anthonys at Finn Park. A goal in either half did the trick, the first one coming from Alessio Coppola with a mazy run and a cool finish at the end. The second goal was a long range screamer from Hank Murnane which deceived the keeper. It was a good all round performance which sees them go top of their group. Thursday night saw our 13A’s edge out neighbours Rathnew winning 3-2 in group 1 of the Premier shield. It was another great tussle between the two sides after their recent cup semi-final epic which Rathnew won on penalties. David McCormack, Jack Madden and Sam Conyard nabbed the Rovers goals in a good team display. Alessio Coppola was drafted up from the under 12A’s and he was exceptional on the night. The villagers were denied a point after Sam Czwalina pulled off a superb save in the last minute. Well done lads and a big thanks to Rathnew for another exciting tussle. On Saturday the 12A’s continued their rich vein of form with a very impressive 7-3 home win over a spirited St Anthonys side. Hank Murnane fired home a superb hat-trick, Mikey O’Neill blasted home a brace with Daniel Clarke and Kevin Yan adding singles in an excellent team performance which puts the lads firmly in the title hunt. Big thanks to St Anthonys for the game. An understrength 14B's lost to Enniskerry in the under 14 trophy final, it was always going to be a big ask when the team were missing five players and it got even tougher when Enniskerry aided by the wind came out of the traps flying to notch some quick goals. To the lads credit they battled right to the very end and were rewarded with a consolation goal from Cian Lynch. The team kept going but Enniskerry were just too strong on the day. Best players on the day were Jack Barry, Turlough Byrne, James Gurrie and Cian Lynch. Well done lads for making it to the final. Congratulations to Enniskerry and thank you for the game. On Sunday the under 16’s found Ashford too strong at Ballinalea Park with the home side running out 6-1 winners. The lads never got into this one with their consolation goal coming from Chris Smit.
The winner of our July 50/50 draw was Joe Whyte, Joe won €212.50c when his name was pulled from the drum. Things got even better for Joe when his bonus ball number 3 popped out in the main lotto draw the following night. This means Joe scooped the bonus ball jackpot of €3,700 to add to his €212.50c to give him a massive winnings total of €3,912.50c. Congratulations Joe from everyone at the club.
Our annual summer camps are open for bookings. Week 1 will run from Monday 17th July to Thursday 20th July; Week 2 runs from Monday 24th July to Thursday 27th July. The camp will run from 10am to 2pm daily and the cost is €75 per child with discount for 2 or more children from the same family. Every participant will receive a jersey. All children should bring a packed lunch, drink, rain jacket, football boots and shin guards. To book your place use the following link: https://wicklowroversafc.com/categories/camp/products or alternatively you can contact any committee member.
Anyone with anything for our club notes, Facebook page or our club website can contact me by email at jimmy.nolan09@hotmail.com or by text to 087-9108706. For all news regarding the club, check out our club website at www.wicklowroversafc.com or the club Facebook page.
