Leonard to the fore for Castleisland

MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Castleisland 25 Muskerry 19

CASTLEISLAND were made to fight hard before finally securing victory over a tough Muskerry side under lights at the Crageens on Saturday night.

Out-half Brian Leonard was the scorer in chief for the Castleisland lads with a try, two penalties and two conversions in an impressive performance from the young out-half.

The foundation for the Castleisland victory was laid by the dominance of their pack in the first half, with Mike Cronin leading from the front and helping himself to two excellent tries in the process.

Cronin’s first try came in the 23rd minute of the first half after Shane Flynn was sin binned and they were down to fourteen men. Eric Nelligan had initially made a great drive at the Muskerry defence, and Cronin came off his shoulder to touch down.

Cronin added his second minutes later, and with Leonard kicking the conversion, Castleisland went into the half time break with a 25-9 lead.

Muskerry were a different proposition in the second half, and an early try and conversion gave them the confidence to attack the Castleisland rearguard.

The Castleisland side stood firm, however, and excellent defence from Shane Brosnan, Mathew Ahern , Kieran Downey, and substitute Sean Leahy, kept the maurauding Muskerry side atbay.

They did add another penalty, but Castleisland had done enough to secure a six point victory.