U18 Munster Conference 2 - Castleisland vs Killarney - report by Seamus Grealy

Killarney opened their season with a 13-0 victory over neighbours and rivals Castleisland.

Killarney were delighted to re enter the u18 grade 'flying solo'  again after a few years hiatus. The buzz was palpable as a full compliment of 23 set out to take on nearest rivals Castleisland on Sat 6th. Killarney triumphed in a tightly fought combative encounter. 13 first half points were enough to seal the deal with a well taken Gary Randles try and 8 points from the cultured boot of Ciaran O Brien.

Killarney  started confidently and accurately and controlled much of the first half territory and possession. As always 'Island competed fiercely and their defensive tackling was rock solid. The second half was reflective of a season opener with a lot of individual endeavor carried out between the two 10-metre lines. Neither team really threatened the try line but the action was unrelenting, skillful, sporting and highly entertaining.  

The team on the day were:  front row ironmen Rob Nealon, Craig McKenzie Vass and Ciaran O Brien . The tough tackling locks were Evan Mannix and Sam Casey. The back row specialists were captain Mat McAuliffe, Brendy O Donoghue and John McCarthy. Padraig Talbot and Adam McSweeney slotted in seamlessly for the second half. The back line worked impressively  through a variety of combinations starting with elder statesmen Dion O Neill and Cian Murphy as the halfback pairing, Michael Og Casey, Adam Walsh as centres, and Mark Sheahan and Krystian Komosa on the wings. Gary Randles started at 15.  Ronan Buckley was an early injury replacement and the cavalry arrived for the last 15 Mins with Peter Walsh, Donnchadh Grealy, Tomas Clifford, James Kennelly and Aidan Keane all entering the fray.

Management were delighted with the performance and the cohesive team spirit. Next up is a mouthwatering contest at home this Sat 14th at 12.30 (on our new pitch for the first time!) against the combined forces of Tralee and Listowel. All support is welcome. Training Thurs at 7.30.

Here's some action from the game (thanks to Mary McCarthy). See our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/killarneyrugbyclub/ for more action