Killarney Rugby Football Club News
Compiled by Liam Murphy
Under 16: Killarney travelled to Douglas for this the third round Bowl competition league game, missing three first choice locks, and still raw from last week’s defeat to Dolphin.
With just one novice replacement travelling, this was going to be a tough encounter. With Killarney receiving the kick off and immediately turning over the ball, newcomer Evan Smith, managed to snaffle a loose ball from the ensuing Douglas ruck to score under the posts all within 30 seconds. Cian Murphy converted.
The training session during the week obviously brought good rewards as Killarney repelled a much bigger pack, time and again, until the 25th minute when Douglas touched down between the posts, remarkably missing the conversion, to see Killarney lead 7-5 at half time.
Douglas had the luxury of a strong bench and the game ebbed and flowed without any scores by either side, both sizing up the other. Douglas pressed and brought on a couple of big guns and finally scored out wide in the 45th minute. 10-7 to Douglas.
Killarney knew that they needed to score next, however. Krystian Komosa was correctly binned for a high tackle and things were looking ominous. With a scrum on Killarney’s 22, Douglas scored from a set play under the posts, leaving the score 17-7 with about 12 minutes on the clock.
In spite of being a man down, Killarney rallied and raised their game and again Evan Smith scored out wide for his fourth try in three games, Unfortunately the try was not converted.
With 10 minutes remaining an uncharacteristic, high tackle saw captain Richard Wallace binned and Douglas must have felt that they could hang on with time almost up.
But Krystian Komosa made amends for his earlier binning and took a strong outside line, to score about 10 metres in from touch. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed, leaving the final score 17 -17. Killarney now have played three games on the road and have accrued points out of a possible 12, hopefully enough to see a playoff place with two games in hand. Next weekend is a free weekend with training, as usual, on Thursday.
Under 18: Killarney RFC 29 Rugbai Chorca Dhuibhne 32. Killarney saved their best performance of the season for this Bowl encounter against their West Kerry rivals. Weather conditions made for fast open rugby on Aghadoe’s expansive pitch.
The hosts struck first through man-of-the-match, Alan Lynch, who cut through the Corcha Dhuibhne defence and Kieran O’Connor converted.
Corcha Dhuibhne responded immediately with their own seven-pointer. After that both teams swapped scores in a gripping entertaining contest.
Killarney led at the break following a try from Kieran O’Connor brilliantly crafted by Alan Murphy. Thomas McCloskey added another before Corcha Dhuibhne replied with a second try.
The visitors powered ahead in the second half but had to withstand a ferocious Killarney rally which yielded two tries from Dylan McCarthy and Alan Harte, one of which was converted by Kieran O’Connor.
Corca Dhuibhne just about deserved their victory in a sporting epic encounter. Best for Killarney were Alan Lynch, Alan Harte and Thomas McCloskey.
Next weekend we are due to replay our voided fixture against Abbeyfeale/Castleisland.
Seniors: Our seniors took the long trip Bantry in Munster Junior League full of confidence after the excellent display against Douglas at Aghadoe.
Ger Moynihan’s charges travelled in the hope of securing vital points against the west Cork outfit who are struggling in the division this season so far.
A good match ensued with Killarney getting out of the blocks quickest as Paudie Sheahan crossed the line for the visitors first try. Cha Johnson followed with a try of his own and Paudie added to his tally with two penalties and one conversion on the day.
A great result for the lads as they prepare to take on fellow Martin O’Sullivan Cup finalists next weekend at Aghadoe. This should be a great game as the lads look to continue the good form of late. With Killarney now up to fourthth in the division and the lads playing some great rugby, things are well and truly looking good for the club.
Minis: Next weekend our minis travel the short trip to Ballymalis in Listry for the next round of the West Munster Blitz. The kids are really looking forward to taking on teams from Killorglin, Castleisland and Listowel as they put all their skills into practice.
We will not be taking a bus to the blitz and parking will be provided onsite so come along and support the kids as they represent the club with pride and have some great fun along the way.
Raffle: Killarney RFC is to hold a raffle for much sought after Six Nations tickets. The first prize is two tickets to the Ireland v England match, while second prize is two tickets to Ireland v France. Tickets cost only €, so be sure to enter the draw, Tickets are available from any player, coach or committee member or contact club chairman Paul Murphy on 087-3745351.
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