Wilson's Hospital came from 11 points behind after 15 minutes to win with two late tries at Palmerstown yesterday. But the result was tarnished by a last minute brawl which saw two Marian players and a Wilson's Hospital substitute sent off.
Marian had the better of the first half, and went ahead after nine minutes when Thomas Fitzpatrick intercepted a pass by the Wilson's scrumhalf Darren Ince to race 50 yards for a great try. Two penalties by Paul Weafer then put them in a commanding 11-0 position.
But in the 33rd-minute Wilson's hit back when a good passing movement by their backs ended with Matthew Ethell crossing for a try, which he converted. Marian, with number eight David Carney the best player on view, dominated the third quarter and camped inside the Wilson's Hospital 25, but they failed to take their chances.
Wilson's Hospital rallied, and a movement involving backs and forwards ended with Derek Wallace crossing for a try on the right. From the kick-off they surged forward and Richard Rothwell went over on the left for their third try, which Ethell converted.
WILSON'S HOSPITAL: A Finnan; K Newton, R Lindsay, C Finlay, H Hargroves; M Ethell (capt), D Ince; J Costello, P O'Donnell, D Walace, T Synnott, K Rafter-McGovern, R Powell, R Rothwell, A Rizzini.
MARIAN: L Fox; P Weafer, C Connolly, B Egan (capt), K O'Farrell; G Glennon, D Grimes; C Byrne, A Whelan, B O'Shea, G McDonald, D Blake, M Fitzpatrick, D Kearney, T Fitzpatrick.
Referee: R Doyle.
