Bonus Point win for Wesley against Naas
AIL 1B – Naas 15 Old Wesley 33
Old Wesley continued their perfect start to the AIL Division 1B season with a composed 33–15 victory over Naas at a wet and windswept Forenaughts. Dominance at scrum and lineout, coupled with accurate goal-kicking from Tom Larke, ensured a deserved bonus-point win.
The visitors opened the scoring when second row Shane Cawley crashed over from close range after sustained early pressure, Larke adding the extras. Naas replied with two quick tries through Paddy Taylor and Oisín Walsh, moving 10–7 ahead after 30 minutes. Wesley’s response was immediate. A strong midfield break by Ben Popplewell and slick handling from Niall Carroll sent Larke slicing through to finish. Moments later, from a driving maul, captain Kieran O’Shea grounded Wesley’s third. Larke’s boot made it 19–10 at half-time.
Wesley’s forwards continued to dominate after the break, playing down the hill. Another well-controlled maul saw O’Shea claim his second try early in the second half, again converted by Larke for 26–10. The visitors maintained pressure throughout, and replacement Liam O’Neill capped proceedings by powering over from close range. Larke’s fourth conversion brought the total to 33–10. Naas rallied late, with full-back Charlie Sheridan grabbing a consolation try in the final moments, but the result was never in doubt.
Old Wesley produced a complete away performance built on structure, power, and precision. O’Shea led superbly, Kelly and Campbell anchored the pack, and Larke’s 13-point haul reflected his growing influence at this level.
Scorers: Tries: Shane Cawley, Tom Larke, Kieran O’Shea 2, Liam O’Neill; Cons: Tom Larke 4
Team: Tom Larke; Jules Fenelon, Ethan Black, Eoin Deegan, Jarrod Homan; Niall Carroll, Evan Kenny; Jamie Clark, Kieran O’Shea (capt), Ben Popplewell, Shane Cawley, Luke O’Connor, Cathal Kelly, Dan Campbell, Charlie Meagher. Replacements: Rian Handley, Kian Regan, Liam O’Neill, Paidi Farrell, Charlie Hempenstall, Stephen Hendy.