Match Report by Milo O’Meara.
A visit to newcomers Listowel on Saturday last, saw a much improved performance by this Killarney side, who themselves have only recently been introduced to the game. Listowel, managed by the ever enthusiastic Kieran, managed to get a full 15 side out to face Killarney. It was a great achievement given how new to the game his girls are, as it very difficult for any coach to teach the skills needed in such a short time. We, at Killarney have full empathy and respect for what he, and his coaches and helpers are doing.
Letβs face it, Killarney themselves came under enormous pressure not only to start an U14s girls side, but with little or no time to coach them, they were thrust in the devils cauldron by competing in a league campaign. But at this age, there is no fear of the unknown by the girls and so little by little as each training session comes to an end, this crew of young girls are taking in what is being coached and are slowly and most assuredly beginning to implement it onto match day. The scoreline which isnβt important was a reflection of the effort put in by all 15. The Killarney coach when asked about the win said, ββ the played like a teamββ, no more to be said!!
The front row, Jasmine Howard, Ella Guerin and Molly Gabbett are becoming a great combination as they all carried strong ball into contact and got around the field really well. Second row of Joanne Oβ keefe and Clodagh Foley were both outstanding, Joanne carrying some hard ball though the centre repeatedly and Clodagh getting back 50 metres to pull off a magnificent tackle.
The back row of Nell Crowley, newcomer to the backrow, Isabella Oβ leary and captain on the day Fia Whelan also gave up great performances. Fia, and her ability to drop kick a ball has even her coach bemused, her dad, Josh, himself a coach at another club, has taught her well!
Robyn Launders at scrumhalf and Outhalf, Bronagh Dorrian, are beginning to link up well and caused havoc around the set piece, and Bronagh once again had a great day slotting over at least six conversions. Centres, Holly Oβ Sullivan and Katie Oβ Donoghue both defended and attacked with zeal and were a constant headache to Listowel who struggled to get the ball out wide because of their workrate.
The back three of Melissa McCarthy, Kate Mangan and Marina Eager have all much improved as time goes on. They are beginning to know where they need to be, getting involved in everything. Indeed a special mention in this case to Marinaβs lightning speed which resulted in us finding the try line more than once.
The acid test will come in two weeks time when Bruff, who gave Killarney a good trimming on their first ever match, come to town. Will Bruff faze these girls this time? Not likely..Come down and see for yourself how far they have come in such a short time.
A big thank you to Anne Foley, who, in Fionaβs absence did a fantastic job, to the parents who came to see their kids play and perform in a way that would please the eye!!
Published at: November 24, 2019 13:53