Turks share the points with Bangor

Bangor 7, Kanturk 7

KANTURK took the lengthy 440 kilometre journey to Bangor Co. Down for their AIL clash last Saturday.

In another special day for the club, Kanturk fielded two teams at the popular seaside resort town which is home to sport stars such as golfer David Feherty and Formula One driver Eddie Irvine.

The special bond between the two clubs could be felt at the pre-match luncheon which was attended by several former Irish internationals, including Lion Dick Milliken, whose distant relations hail from North Cork. Milliken played all four tests in midfield alongside Ian McGeechan on the “invincibles tour” of South Africa in 1974, a team that was skippered by the legendary Willie John McBride.

The first half in Upritchard Park was a ferociously combative affair up front with both sides fighting to give quick and clean ball to their backs. The game ebbed and flowed with Kanturk on top at the breakdown led by the immense Dan McCabe, and Bangor with the advantage at scrum time.

The home side did manage to force a penalty before half time but the subsequent kick flew left of the posts. This left the teams scoreless at the break.

The second half was a slightly more open and fiestier affair with Kanturk gaining more of a stronghold in territory and possession. Kanturk started finding gaps through their star back on the day, Daithi Fitz, and it was no surprise when the Turks were finally rewarded when captain Seanie Cremin finished excellently in the corner after serious hard running from both backs and forwards alike.

Conor Cremin converted an incredibly challenging conversion from the touchline and the Cork side were now 7 points up with 10 minutes to go.

The try lifted the game to higher level of intensity for both sides and excitement in the hearts of the supporters. The intensity contributed to a few innocent scuffles which led to Barra Buckley being harshly sent off.

Bangor quickly gained the initiative soon after and forced the Turks deep into their 22. After a series of minor infringements the referee awarded a penalty try to Bangor. The conversion was thoughtlessly converted by drop goal, much to the bewilderment of many at the ground but luckily for the Bangor winger it went over.

The final few minutes were characterised by heroic defence on both sides. Nobody want to lose and 7-7 was how it finished.

When the game ended, both sides could consider this as two points gained rather than points lost. Players and management were fairly muted after the match and the focus now shifts to Kanturk’s next home game against Tullamore on March 4.

While there was mixed feelings from the senior dressing room afterwards, Kanturk’s over 35s were in jubilant mood after a memorable victory over Bangor’s over 35 selec-tion.

Team director Willie (Lopez) Aherne said “the lads had a great bonding session outside Newry which went into the early hours of the morning last night, it really helped them a lot on the pitch today. It was tremendous to see such talent and athleticism on show - they never lost it”.

Supporters took heart from not winning the senior game afterwards with live music and banter in the clubhouse. While there was no sign of Bangor’s Snow Patrol, supporters, management and players enjoyed the Ulster hospitality. For many, rugby is not just a game it’s a way of life.

Team; B Kelleher, D O’Donoghue, M Daly, B Buckley, B Daly, C O’Sullivan, A’ O Brien, D McCabe, C Cremin, S McAuliffe, D Fitzpatrick, L McCabe, O Daly, S Cremin, K Buckley.

Man of the Match: Daithi Fitzpatrick; Over 35’s Man of the Match: Mike Murphy.

Fixtures: March 4th Kanturk v Tullamore (Knocknacolan) 2.30pm.