Bowen the Wanderers’ ace

Wanderers 22

In truth, they just deserved it for a huge second-half effort that saw much occupation of Old Wesley territory.

The visitors were 6-0 ahead after penalties from out-half Dave Smith in the 11th and 20th minutes.

It was Bowen who gave Wanderers a brief experience of the lead with a try, converted by number ten Tim Sampson.

Centre Michael Smyth then bumped off a tackle to edge Wesley back in front. Smith added points and a penalty to go 16-7 at the break.

Wesley defended with aggression and discipline until the 69th minute. A Wanderers maul, from a five-metre lineout, crashed over for blindside Junior Charlie to claim the glory.

Centre David Keeffe sped over on the left, with two minutes left on the clock, for Sampson to forge a 19-16 lead from the extra points.

Smith’s 82nd-minute penalty looked like salvaging a draw, but Wanderers still had time to snaffle the drop-out, and Bowen brought down an awkward pass to lash the ball over the bar.

Scorers - Wanderers: S Bowen try, dr gl; J Charlie, D O'Keeffe try each; T Sampson 2 cons.

Old Wesley: M Smyth try; D Smith 4 pens, con.

WANDERERS: S Bowen; D O'Sullivan, D O'Keeffe, N Osbourne, M Culhane; T Sampson, A Smyth; R Cole, B Cantrell, A Ellison, N Culliton, T Magee, J Charlie, M Kavanagh, E Wardell. Replacements: G Murphy for Osbourne 19 mins; M O'Keeffe for Kavanagh h.t.; C Boyd for Culhane 65 mins.

OLD WESLEY: B Hogan; M Lavelle, R O'Connor, M Smyth, G Byrne; D Smith, P Campbell; I Wallace, D Swaine, A O'Donnell, B Lowe, V Ryan, S Melville, J Sharpe, K Steinbach. Replacements: S Kinlan for O'Donnell 2 mins; S Johnston for Lavelle 58 mins.

Referee: D Keane, Leinster Branch.