KILLARNEY Rugby Club’s under 16s captured the silverware in a riveting Munster Development Cup Final at Musgrave Park, Cork even though the sense of occasion and nervous apprehension was tangible as the teams walked out.
Opponents Kilfeacle from Tipperary started the game with great purpose and control and dominated territory and possession. The Killarney defence was resolute and unyielding, however, but also worryingly running up a considerable penalty count.
It looked like Kilfeacle were sure to score on 10 minutes but a last ditch interception by Liam Randles on the five-yard line saved a certain seven. Thankfully the Killarney lineout was functioning superbly with John McCarthy dominating and with Brendy O’Donoghue bolstering the front row, scrums were solid.
Killarney looked in deep trouble after 15 minutes when Rob Nealon was binned for continual team infringements but they dug deep and responded to adversity. The breakout duly arrived when Dan Twomey found space and set the platform for the backline to spin ball wide. Skillful passing gave right winger Tomas Clifford a window on the outside and he took off and outpaced the defence to open the scoring.
Kilfeacle’s response was to relaunch their offensive assault. They pounded away recycling cleverly until their powerful lock Dylan O’Grady eventually found a chink and burrowed over. Stephen Ferncombe converted to secure a 7-5 lead.
Killarney were again reduced to 14 with James Kennelly this time exiting for a mistimed tackle but it remained 7-5 at half-time.
On the resumption Killarney began to dominate possession and territory and props Adam Cronin and Rob Nealon powered into the game. Cormac Rowe began to make hard yards and with Padraic Talbot rotating to centre, the backline moved menacingly.
With 15 minutes to go Killarney out half Donnchadh Grealy elected to go for goal and expertly slotted the penalty to regain the lead 8-7.
Killarney went down to 14 for a third time when Cormac Rowe was sent to the bin for illegal ruck entry. Kilfeacle again came close but brave smother tackling from the backline kept the try line intact. Another kickable penalty offence resulted in outhalf Ferncombe settling for three to take a lead with five minutes to go.
Killarney launched one final assault when Donnchadh Grealy broke the defensive line and surged into the 22. The ball was recycled and shipped wide to the left and powerhouse Ozdenis Koyun got over the try line before supporting Bailey O’Sullivan touched down.
With two minutes on the clock the experience garnered over a long rollercoaster season was evident in the close out. Brendy O’Donoghue secured the restart and the ball was retained and recycled until Liam Randles booted it into the stand to signal great scenes of celebration.
Liam Randles gave a man-of-the-match performance passing superbly, box kicking and tormenting opposition throughout. Ozdenis Koyun and Donnchadh Grealy worked in tandem tackling, counter rucking, turning over possession but also launching the attack.
James Kenneally returned from Berlin and slotted into the centre effortlessly. Wingers Tomas Clifford and Dan Twomey injected speed, resolve and defensive steel and full back Mikey Moriarty tackled tigerishly.
Prop Adam Cronin gave his most complete performance in a Killarney jersey while Rob Nealon stood resolutely as first up tackler throughout. Darren Cronin worked bravely winning turnover ball and Cormac Rowe carried superbly.
Brendy O’Donoghue and John McCarthy ran a perfect lineout exhibition and Padraic Talbot incredibly plugged all the gaps left by the three yellow cards. Bailey O’Sullivan also turned in a superb 60-minute performance while replacements Jack Kenneally, Shane McAllister and Mike Moriarty provided the necessary back-up.
Congratulations to head coach Seamus Grealy, manager John O’Connell, backs coaches Eoin Seery and Leo Randles and forward coaches Bill Stack, Con Crowley and Fiona Reidy.
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