Minis Blitz, Senior win on the road, 6 Nations raffle and U18’s & U16’s in crackers

U18’s:

Killarney RFC 29 - Rugbai Corca Dhuibhne 32

Killarney saved their best performance of the Season for this Bowl encounter against their West Kerry rivals. Clement weather conditions made for fast open rugby on Aghadoe’s expansive pitch. The hosts struck first through man of the match, Alan Lynch, who sycthed 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.

U16’s:

Killarney travelled to Douglas on Saturday the 21st January, for this the third round Bowl competition league game, missing three first choice locks, and still raw from last weeks defeat to Dolphin. With just one novice replacement travelling this was going to be a tough encounter. With Killarney recieving the kick off & 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 thirty seconds, Cian Murphy converted. The training session during the week obviously gave good reward, as Killarney reppelled a much bigger pack, time & again, until the 25th minute when Douglas touched down between the posts, remarkably missing the conversion, 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. Score 10-7 to Douglas. Killarney knew that they needed to score next, however Krystian Komosa was correctly binned for a high tackle – things were looking ominous. With a scrum on Killarneys 22` to Douglas they 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 & raised their game and again Evan Smith scored out wide for his fourth try in three games, unfortunately the try was not converted, score 17-12 to Douglas. with 10 minutes remaining an uncharacteristic, high tackle saw Capatin Richard Wallace binned, Douglas must have felt that, they could hang on with time almost up, Krystian Komosa made amends for his earlier binning, and took a strong outside line, to score about ten 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 6 points out of a possible 12, hopefully enough to see a playoff place with two games in hand. Next weekend is a free weekend for a much desreved break. Training as usual on Thursday.

Seniors:

Our seniors took the long trip Bantry, for the next round of the Munster Junior League, full of confidence after the excellent display against Douglas at Aghadoe last Sunday week. 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 2 penalties and 1 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 4th 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 practise. Playing in blitzes helps the minis hone their skills and play against other clubs, representing the Black and Red of Killarney RFC. We will not be taking a bus to the blitz and parking will be provided onsite and at the nearby Kerry Woollen Mills. So, come along and support the kids as they represent the club with pride and have some great fun along the way!

6 Nations Raffle:

Killarney RFC is to hold a raffle for much sought after 6 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 €5, so be sure to enter the draw to be in with a chance to win the most sought after tickets in the country and stand shoulder to shoulder with the boys in green. Tickets are available from any player, coach or committee member. or contact club chairman Paul Murphy on 087-3745351.