Match Report - Seamus Grealy
Killarney travelled to one of the bastions of Limerick rugby on Sun 5th and narrowly came out second best in a compelling equally contested battle that went right to the last play. This was the teams second outing at this elevated level and the lessons learned away in defeat to last year's All Ireland winners Skibbereen before Christmas were evident in Killarneys confident, competent performance.
Killarney secured the ball from the kick off and flanker Brendy O Donoghue broke down the blindside and linked superbly with Adam Walsh who was hauled down by the last defender. Both teams probed and pressed for weaknesses early on. Bruffs bigger more physical pack tested the Killarney tackling and Killarneys skillful handling and movement similarly tested the home defence. Both teams were equally proficient securing lineout and scrum possession and with both teams also aggressively protecting ball on the ground most of the action took place between the 10 yard lines. Killarneys reshuffled backline valiantly tried to move ball wide and find a chink of space but tough scrambling defence and occasional handling errors kept the try line intact. The only score of the half came after 20 minutes when Bruff slotted a penalty from 30 yards to give the home team a three point halftime lead. The visitors started the second half on the offence moving ball through phases and probing wide.
Bruff to their credit absorbed, reset their defence continuously and as time elapsed gradually started controlling possession calling on their game experience and key forwards to take a stranglehold. Killarney found themselves chasing the result mostly encamped in their own half but looking dangerous with the ball. With 15 Mins left no8 John McCarthy secured a 5 man lineout on half way, the ball was moved swiftly through the backline and winger Ozdenis Koyun found Padraig Talbot taking a super support line before being tackled illegally. Killarney went for the posts with the resultant penalty from a difficult position but the attempt failed narrowly. Bruff were able to see out the remaining time and finished the game powerful attacking before kicking a penalty to secure the 6-0 victory with the games last action.
Although leaving empty handed Killarney were delighted with the teams collective spirit and performance. On the day props Ciaran O Brien and Rob Nealon drove forward continously and again the scrum was a powerhouse. Hooker Craig McKenzie Vass was a colossus around the pitch carrying ball and robustly tackling. Sam Casey revelled in the physicality and enjoyed his best day ever in red and black. Evan Mannix entered the contest for the 2nd half and dovetailed seamlessly. Padraig Talbot covered every inch of ground and competed fiercely. The back row of captain Matt McAuliffe, Brendy O Donoghue and no8 John McCarthy rose to the challenge and again displayed their ever evolving skill sets andcollective strength.
The backline performance (particularly in the first half) was hugely improved. A prominent feature was the intense frontline tackling of Adam Walsh(9),Donnchadh Grealy(10),Dion O Neill(12) and Gary Randles(13). With ball in hand they also displayed skill and craft. Mark Sheahan, Ronan Buckley James Kennelly and Aidan Keane stretched the defence and probed down the wings. Ozdenis Koyun made a welcome return from injury and with his power plays reminded all of his talent. Michael Og Casey also produced his best performance so far securing high ball and counterattacking from fullback.
Next outing takes place in Aghadoe on Sat 11th at 1.30 with a not to be missed huge challenge against one of the competitions favourites Cobh Pirates
