Killarney rise to challenge to ease past Waterford City

JUNIOR CLUBS CHALLENGE SHIELD

Killarney 26 Waterford City 10

KILLARNEY recorded their first win of the season, and they did so in very impressive fashion when they accounted for Waterford City in Aghadoe last Sunday. Killarney badly needed to win after 3 confidence sapping league defeats and scoring opportunities when they presented themselves. Thurles were camped in the Tralee half for almost the entire first half, but ably led by a player of the match performance from Caolann Healy the manner in which they took their 4 tries will give them belief for the rest of the season. Killarney did get a brilliant start to the first half when Paul O’Sullivan went over for a try after 8 minutes.Waterford City levelled proceedings on 20 minutes with a try of their own and with both teams fighting to gain the upper hand it was level at half time, 5-5.

Killarney made a great start to the second half when Mike at no.7, they broke away for an opportunistic try from Jaimee Mullins right on the stroke of half time.

Thurles did slot over a penalty to make it 5-3 early in the second half but superb tackling and ball McHenry went over the line after a great break from centre Mike Lynch, and Mike Sheehan duly converted. Soon afterwards Killarney struck for a third try and it was a classic. Following a scrum 20 metres from the line, no.8 Aaron Jones picked and offloaded to Mike Sheehan who found Paul O’Sullivan steaming through the gap to touch down. Killarney were now in cruise control and Paul O’Sullivan scored his second try retention from Tralee stopped them from making a breakthrough for the try they coveted. Indeed, it was Tralee who put the icing on the cake in the 85th minute of the contest when a good passing of the game in the 61st minute with Mike Sheehan again putting over the conversion.

Waterford City did put some pressure on Killarney as the game entered the final quarter and they scored a try with just minutes left on the clock. Killarney were not to be outdone however and as the referee sounded the final whistle they emerged victorious on a 2610 scoreline.

Best for Killarney were Mike move saw Sinead O’Connor touch down for an excellent team try and seal a 10-3 victory for the Tralee Ladies.

Next up is a clash away to Richmond next Sunday. Sheehan, Paul O’Sullivan, Brian Lynch, Mike McHenry and Colin McCarthy, who was back once again at hooker for the first time in two years.

Killarney travel to play Waterford City in the league next weekend and will be hoping to again defeat the Deise lads and garner their first league points of the season.

The Castleisland v Muskerry game was called off due to a bereavement in the Muskerry club.