Divison 3 wins for Killorglin and Tralee

MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 3 Bantry Bay 27 Killorglin 32

KILLORGLIN were hoping to make it two wins in a row in the J3 league but travelled to Bantry with a depleted side. A fine performance saw them come away with a deserved win that now sees them in with a serious chance of making the league play-offs.

The victory looked highly unlikely in the early stages of the game as Bantry Bay hit them for two quick-fire tries from Pronsias Cronin and James McGlinchey. Rather than let this setback affect them, Killorglin took the game to their opponents, and after a number of good phases, Timmy Lynch made a fine break before off loading to Kevin Courtney who touched down in style.

Bantry Bay struck once more soon afterwards though when some sloppy play from Killorglin saw them concede a converted try to lead 17-5. The away side looked to be in serious trouble , but once again dug deep to attack Bantry with spirited aggression. An excellent attack involving a number of players eventually ended up with winger Neil O’Shea who made no mistake to go over the whitewash.

With their tails up, Killorglin continued to pile on the pressure and Luke O’Shea showed great opportunism to spot a gap in the Bantry Bay and score a great try under the posts. O’Shea also obliged with the conversion and soon afterwards the half time whistle blew with Killorglin now ahead by 19-17.

Killorglin extended their lead early in the second half when the unerring Luke O’Shea slotted over a penalty. Bantry Bay looked a beaten docket as Killorglin were now playing with purpose and confidence. Another fine drive from their forwards saw hooker Fionan O’Sullivan score his first senior try for Killorglin, and more importantly secure a bonus point for his side.

Bantry replied with a penalty but Luke O’Shea added the full compliment to his scoring exploits with a drop goal. Rather than lie back and take their beating, Bantry showed a great spirit to come at Killorglin with renewed vigour. A converted try from Dara Twomey followed to leave Killorglin ahead by a mere five points, and a very shaky last few ensued for the away team.

Players like Tom Healy, Darragh O’Shea, Cian Foley and Andrew O’Reilly stood up when they were needed most, and Killorglin came away with a fully deserved victory.

Ennis 20 Tralee 38

TRALEE are on the verge of promotion from Division Three after their 38-20 away win at Ennis. Jeff Foley and Eoin O’Carroll each scored two tries for Tralee and Mark Moloney and Gavin Peevers also scored tries. Jack Quilter kicked four conversions.

Cian Guilfoyle, Adam Ryan and Stephen Dolan replied with tries for Ennis and Ronan O’Halloran kicked a penalty and a conversion.