Munster U16 cup round: Nenagh Ormond 19 Killarney 15 - report by Seamus Grealy
Killarney travelled to the U.L. 3G complex on Sunday the 10th knowing that a victory would secure a home quarter final in the Munster Cup as group winners. Until the very last play of this incredible game their fate was in their own hands, however tragically it was not to be as they failed to capitalize on some gilt edged chances in the closing phases. Nenagh Ormond started in whirlwind fashion imposing their superior size and exhibiting excellent link play. Killarney unfortunately were forced to start without three of their starting backline and the new combinations struggled at first to step up in defence. By the 8th minute a rout looked on the cards as Nenagh had already crossed for two tries on either wing following impressive handling and recycling. Both conversions were nailed leaving the score at 14-0.
Other teams would have folded their tents at this stage but remarkably Killarney got their act together and rallied. Padraig Talbot and John McCarthy got to grips with the Nenagh forwards, and the half-backs Peter Walsh and Donnchadh Grealy began to gain ground with astute kicking. Following a period of sustained forward pressure Brendy O Donoghue crashed over for a confidence restoring try for Killarney.
With greater self belief the visitors pressed. Following a well worked line out win out half Donnchadh Grealy broke through the defensive cover and found Thomas Clifford who streaked away to touch down. Suddenly, this game was a tight, compelling, uncompromising arm wrestle. Both teams probed but were unable to capitalize and the half time score was 14-10 to Nenagh.
Killarney enjoyed a lot of territorial advantage at the start of the second half. Gradually the new backline began to synchronize and move ball wide. Mikey Moriarty was performing well at fullback. The line out functioned fluently with John McCarthy and Darren Cronin garnering possession. It looked as though Killarney had scored when a 30 yard rumbling maul got over the line but unfortunately Brendy O Donoghue was penalized for a double-movement. Nenagh however were composed in defensive mode. They had a luxury of exit options either from the boot of their outhalf or from the crash ball dynamics of their centres. Nenagh struck a killer blow 12 minutes into the half when they strung some impressive plays together and found soft shoulders in the retreating defence to touchdown. The try left the score at 19 -10.
Again in defiant response, Killarney raised their attacking game in search of a score. Jack Kenneally, Padraig Talbot, and Tomas Clifford all came close to the try line during a period of dominance. Following a break in play the reward duly arrived following a clean break through centrefield from scrum-half Peter Walsh. The ball was recycled and moved through hands before Dan Twomey scored in the corner. High drama ensued as Killarney now pressed for a winning try.
The tactic of moving no8 Padraig Talbot to center from attacking scrums worked once more when he sucked in the defence and passed to Tomas Cronin. Agonizingly his forward chip bounced into touch when a try seemed inevitable. Killarney finished the game running a last play penalty into a desperate Nenagh rear guard but could not unlock the defiant defence. The final score was 19 -15 to Nenagh.
Killarney sadly lost their route into the Cup playoffs after this defeat. From the outset this competitive group was going down to the wire and although winning 3 from 5 games (and defeating group winners Clonmel) we now enter the Development Cup. On the day the team showed incredible resolve and courage and although bruised and disappointed can hold their heads high.
Front row: Adam Cronin, Cengis Koyun, Rob Nealon. 2nd row: Bailey O Sullivan, Darren Cronin, (Shane McAllister 2nd half). Back row: John McCarthy, Brendy O Donoghue, Padraig Talbot. Backs: Peter Walsh, Donnchadh Grealy, Thomas Clifford, Jack Kenneally, Dan Twomey, Cormac Rowe and Mikey Moriarty.
