News Archive: Paddy Wallace - our man of the match
Ulster fly-half and Campbellian, Paddy Wallace, starred in his first Irish start with 26 points in an excellent display.
John Mc Kinney, CCB Coach, commented on Paddy's success: "Patrick Wallace played for the Campbell College 1st XV through the seasons 1994-1997. Over the 1996-97 season he was Captain. An oustandingly gifted footballer who led by example both on and off the field. We are so pleased for Paddy, not just on him gaining full international caps, but also because of the manner in which he played. Despite a series of injuries over the last few seasons, he has demonstrated outstanding strength of character and it is that character coupled with the physical talents he possesses which make him look totally at home on the international stage".
The Ireland team started and finished the first half in style - an impressive reverse pass from Wallace sent Hickie through for the opening try after only five minutes and added the conversion and a penalty to give Ireland the early confidence they needed. Then, the Pacific Islanders converted a good try after work from Ratuvou, Wallace gave Ireland a nine-point cushion with two more penalties but the new-look side were now making mistakes and the game was lacking rythm. Ireland were off to an excellent start in the second half with tries from Easterby and Horgan and the ever-impressive Wallace converted both tries to take his tally to 24 points.Easterby forced his way over for his second try and another superb kick from Wallace makes it 51-12.Rory Best added another try courtesy of Boss and O'Connell surged over for the final try. Despite missing his final two conversion attempts, Wallace had already done more than enough to secure the man-of-the-match award.
Former Ireland International and Campbellian Gordon Hamilton, congratulated Paddy by saying, "Paddy had a brilliant debut: 26 points and a Man of the Match performance from a guy who regularly takes time out from a busy schedule to coach our future Campbell stars. He deserves many more caps".
Campbellian and Ireland international Paddy Wallace
