The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Killorglin keep Bantry at bay
MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 3 KIllorglin 21 Bantry Bay
IT was a good day for Killorglin and the Lynch’s as a try from Rob Lynch and two tries from Tony Lynch inspired them to victory over Bantry Bay. Bantry took an early lead and quickly found themselves up 6-0.
Killorglin fought back and scored the games first try trough rookie Rob Lynch with Luke O’Shea slotting over the conversion. Bantry then scored a third penalty to leave the half-time score 9-7 in favour of the Cork side.
Killorglin played better rugby in the second half and spread the ball wide whenever the opportunity presented itself. It wasn’t long until they were rewarded with the first of two Tony Lynch tries. His second try was particularly special as the ball was passed by brothers Rob and Timmy Lynch to a quick moving Tony who ran the ball in from nearly halfway. Luke O’Shea converted both tries and it was the Kilorglin lads who emerged with the spoils at the finish.
Tralee 26 Fermoy 6
TRALEE got their J3 campaign of to a good start with an impressive bonus point victory over Fermoy at Ballyard An excellent first half saw Kevin O’Shea go over the line twice for two good tries, one of which was expertly converted by Ben O’Nelll to leave Tralee leading by 12-6 at half time.
Tralee took total control of the second half and an early try from Conor O Nualain was again converted by Ben O’Neill. Tralee weren’t finished and with 5 minutes to go the rampaing Martin Stack scored Tralee’s fourth try to seal the bonus point win. Best for Tralee in front of a large home crowd were Jamie Lynch at openside flanker, Farrell O Nualain at scrum half and Simon Behan.
Fethard 35 Corca Dhuibhne 9
CORCA Dhuibhne made the long journey to Fethard on Friday for their J3 game under lights on a perfect night for rugby. Whist the result didn’t go the west Kerry lad’s way, there were a number of positives to take from the game. Corca Dhuibhne travelled with a panel of 22 players,which was an excellent turnout for a Friday night away fixture.
Unfortunately they met a Fethard side that had a very good balance of a strong physical forward unit and a speedy athletic back line. Corca Dhuibne put over 2 penalties in the first half from the boot Seamus Moriarty, but Fethard were full value for a 24-6 half time lead.
Moriarty added another penalty in the second half but despite fine displays from Alan Devane, Nicky Moriarty and Nathan Flannery, the Tipperary side finished the game 35-3 winners.
Next up for Corca Dhuibhne is a home fixture against local rivals Killarney next Sunday.
THE Castleisland v Crosshaven came was abandoned after 10 minutes after an injury to the referee.
MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 2 Thurles 38 Killarney 10
KILLARNEY travelled to Thurles on the back of a losing performance against Castleisland the previous week and the Kerry side came up short again on a 38-10 scoreline. Killarney did dominate the forward exchanges for long periods of the game, but Thurles were much more clinical when the chances presented themselves.
Thurles put away four tries in the first half with two of them coming from breakaways when Killarney had possession inside the Thurles 22 metre line. Mike Sheehan did strike over a penalty for Killarney to leave the half time score at 26-3.
Killarney came storming into the game in the second period and Paudie Sheehan scored a try under the posts after and excellent pick off the back of the scrum by no.8 Connie O’Leary, which Mike Sheehan duly converted.
Thurles were the better side however and added two further tries of their own to finish the game as 38-10 winners. Best for a Killarney side that were short some key players were Paul Moynihan and man of the match Alan Mulligan.
Next up for Killarney is a must win home tie against league favourites St Mary’s of Limerick.