U16 Killarney vs Clonakilty - Match report by Seamus Grealy
Killarney U16 suffered their first defeat of the season agonizingly conceding the winning score in the last play of this compelling game. Clonakilty were fighting for survival in the competition and Killarney travelled knowing this would be their toughest test to date.
The tone for the contest was set from the kickoff with Padraic Talbot's bone crunching tackle on Clon's no 8. The pattern for the game was set shortly after when the home side picked from the base of a scrum inside their own 22 and backed their pack to rumble on. Killarney enjoyed early territorial advantage, however wind, rain, and sticky underfoot conditions blunted their normal expansive approach. After repelling the visitors early advances the home side gained a foothold and showed ruthless ability to recycle ball through their imposing pack. At first the Killarney defence held out but in the 12th minute a quick tapped penalty found a soft spot and Clon opened the scoring.
To their credit Killarney rallied. Thrower Brendy O Sullivan and jumper John Mc Carthy were combining superbly securing lineout possession and gaining yardage. After 20 minutes Killarney took the lead executing a penalty set play to perfection. Padraic Talbot's pacey injection caught the home defence napping and his blind side run pierced the home defence before passing to James Kennelly who raced around the defensive cover. Peter Walsh slotted the conversion and the half time score was 7-5 for the visitors.
With the elements at their back Clonakilty started the 2nd half in ravenous fashion. Killarney found themselves pinned back defending furiously. This continued for the next 20 minutes. At first the home side tried to batter through, then they tried a different cross-kicking approach. Occasionally, Killarney got hands on ball particularly through superb counter-rucking and tough tackling that turned over possession. Admirably the visitors tried to run ball out of defence but for the first time this season were unable to outpace the uprushing defence. Clon regained the lead 10 minutes from the end when they pressurized an exit effort and forced a turnover near the try line to pounce on the loose ball for a crucial score. At this stage Killarney raised their game and displayed intense hunger and ability to launch an assault inside the Clon half. Forwards and backs combined moving ball right and left, recycling, linking, and probing. Eventually the home dam cracked and superb handling left Mikey Moriarty with an opening on the right wing. He bravely crashed through two defenders to score. With only 3 minutes left on the clock the large travelling support were euphoric as a draw seemed the likely outcome.
However, ecstasy was soon to turn to agony. Knowing that an early exit from the competition loomed the West Cork stronghold of rugby launched one last effort. Working their way close to the sideline and again recycling and pressing through their stronger pack they managed to touchdown in the corner right at the death. The final whistle brought scenes of elation and despair from two valiant sides that had given everything in an enthralling contest.
On the day the hugely improved front row combo of Rob Nealon, Brendy O Sullivan, and Adam Cronin secured all their own put -ins and competed strongly. Locks Mikey Moriarty and Cormac Rowe stood tall against their bigger opponents. Padraic Talbot gave a stand out man of the match performance from no8. John McCarthy tackled ferociously and soared in the line out. Darren Cronin impressed again with his running lines and ball presentation. Half backs Peter Walsh and Donnchadh Grealy displayed all their experience directing the ship in the poor conditions. Centres Ozdenis Koyun and Tomas Clifford bravely tried to break through a resolute home defence. Winger James Kennelly finished his try superbly, and Dan Twomey and Jack Kenneally were sharp in turn on the left wing. Full back Liam Randles provided a resolute last line of defence. Caelan Sheehan, Shane McAllister and Cengis Koyun provided the reinforcement. Although suffering the seasons first defeat the boys will have learned invaluable experience from this setback.
As expected this group of talented teams will be difficult to separate and incredibly after 3 rounds of competition Killarney, Clonmel, Clonakilty, Nenagh and Cashel/Kilfeacle are all still technically able to qualify. Next Sunday Killarney take on Cashel/Kilfeacle at 1 o'clock in Barraduff. The boys will be eager to get back to winning ways and would welcome your vocal support.
