No joy for Killorglin in Banner

MUNSTER JUNIOR BOWL SEMI-FINAL Ennis 23 Killorglin 13

THERE was no joy for Killorglin in Clare as Ennis booked their place in the final with a 23-13 win over the visitors.

Both sides went hell for leather in the first 20 minutes of the game as both sets of forwards fought intently to gain an upper hand in the exchanges. Whilst the tackling was fierce and aggressive, indiscipline was also proving to be a factor with both sides conceding penalties. Bryan Murphy slotted over two kicks for Ennis with Oisin O’Shea replied with two for Killorglin to leave the sides locked at 6-6 after 20 minutes.

Gradually Ennis began to take a firm stranglehold on the proceedings. Another penalty from Murphy pushed them 9-6 ahead. Worse was to follow soon afterwards when Alan O’Shea struck for a converted try for Ennis to push them into a 16-6 lead.

Killorglin fought desperately to get back into the contest and should have scored on the stoke of half-time after an excellent break, but unfortunately the ball was knocked on with the line in their sights.

Killorglin started the second half brightly and created a number of scoring opportunities that they failed to take. Ennis were much more clinical however and with their maul troubling the Killorglin forwards, Stephen Dolan went over for two tries for the home side.

The game was now firmly in Ennis’ grasp, but credit to Killorglin who kept fighting to get back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded when Timmy Lynch scored a good try with six minutes left to play in the game, with Oisin O’Shea adding the conversion.

Killorglin kept pressing in the dying moments for another score, but Ennis held out for victory.