The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Killorglin beat Ennis to take major step towards Division 2 rugby
MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 3
Killorglin 13 Ennis 6
KILLORGLIN took a huge step towards J2 rugby after a thrilling victory over Clare side Ennis at the unfamiliar surrounds of O’Dowd Park Tralee last Sunday.
The ferocity of Storm Dennis meant that the game had to be switched to the Tralee RFC venue, and with both sides unbeaten in the league this season, the winner would make a firm statement towards promotion and the destination of the J3 title for 2020.
Killorglin played with the advantage of the ferocious gale in the first half but it was Ennis that dominated the early exchanges and put the Kerry side under all sorts of pressure. The lads from the Laune began to get to grips with the game thereafter, mainly through the dominance of their very solid scrum. This set piece platform saw Ennis concede a penalty from 35 metres out and Luke O’Shea showed unerring accuracy to nail the kick, even with his brother Fionn holding the ball down on the tee due to the gale.
Killorglin had the bit between their teeth and continued to press. Josh Morell made a great drive and looked like he was going to cross the whitewash but he was well held up by a determined Ennis defence.The Killorglin pressure was incessant but despite a number of attempts they failed to cross the Ennis line.
Another penalty presented itself on the stroke of half time, and from 22 metres out Luke O’Shea judged the cross wind to perfection to land a superb kick that saw Killorglin take a 6-0 lead in at the half time break.
Killorglin began the second half as they finished the first and soon had Ennis on the back foot once more. A good chance went abegging when the ball was dropped within metres of the Ennis line but a huge push in the subsequent scrum from Killorglin saw them awarded a penalty. Luke O’Shea kicked for points but the huge gale saw the ball hang in the air 8 metres out from the line.
Darragh O’Shea had followed up on the kick and he won the ball in the air before some quick passing involving Fionn O’Shea, Timmy Lynch, and Mike Breen, saw Stephen Cotter cross for a super try. Like O’Shea added the conversion to push Killorglin 13-0 ahead.
It looked as if it was game over as Ennis looked like a beaten docket. Killorglin spread the ball wide but an intercepted pass saw Mikey Lyons run the length of the field for a converted try. Suddenly Ennis were back in the game with just 4 minutes left on the clock. Ennis attacked once more from the Killorglin kick off and found territory on the Killorglin 10 metre line after a massive penalty found touch. An inspirational line out take from Cian Foley saved the day for Killorglin though and the ball was kicked to safety as the final whistle sounded.