RUGBY ROUND-UP
Dan Kearney MUNSTER J2 LEAGUE
Castleisland 15 Killarney 3
THE big game of the weekend was the round 1 Munster J2 league clash between old rivals Killarney and Castleisland in Aghadoe last Sunday, and it was the away side that came away with the spoils, after a hard fought, and at times tempestuous battle.
The Aghadoe pitch was in heavy enough condition and this dictated that the game would be very much a forward orientated battle. Both packs relished the physicality, but it was the Castleisland lads who definitely shaded it in the finish in spite of a towering performance in the line out from Killarney’s Leonard O’Sullivan.
The foundation for the Castleisland victory lay in their first half dominance in which they scored two tries. The first came from Munster junior Mike Cronin who touched down in the corner after a good passing move.
Out half Brian Leoard expertly kicked a very difficult conversion from out near the sideline. The second try was an under your jumper pack effort which was eventually touched down by the rampaging Kieran Downey.
Leonard then added penalty to take
Casleisland into the half time break with a healthy a 15-0 lead.
In fairness to Killarney they took the game to Castleisland in the second half and inspired by Paul O’Sulivan and Leonard O’Sullivan dominated for long periods .Despte this dominance, all they had to show for their efforts was a Paudie Sheehan penalty.
Tempers began to fray by both teams, and the referee was forced to issue three yellow cards, two to Castleisland and one to Killarney. Knock ons and unforced errors were in abundance as the difficult condtions and early season rustiness took it’s toll. In the finish it was Castleisland, inspired by man of the match Mathew Ahern who took the first league points of the season.
Next up for Casleisland is a home tie in the Crageens next Saturday 30th September against Crosshaven at 6pm, while on Sunday 1st October Killarney wlll travel to Tipperary to take on Thurles at 2.30.
Also on Sunday October 1, Tralee will begin their J3 league campaign with a home tie against Fermoy at 2.30 while Killorglin will be hoping to get their season off to a good start with an away game to Douglas-Carrigaline, also at 2.30.
The lads from the west coast, Corca Dhuibhne, are also in action and they will make the journey to Fethard on Sunday to take on the locals at 2.30.
Ladies
THE Tralee Ladies