Hard-fought victory for Castleisland over Déise city side

MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Castleisland 16 Waterford City 7

CASTLEISLAND had a deserved, but hard earned win over a tough Waterford City outfit at the Crageens last Sunday.

The home side had been going through a tough time of late, and suffered two heavy beatings in their games prior to this one. The win was a happy respite for the Castleisland lads, as they strive to stay out of the relegation dogfight and remain in Division 2.

The foundation for Castleisland’s victory lay in their dominant first half performance. Although they struggled for a large part in the scrum, their line out was functioning at full throttle, with Shane Browne’s pin point throwing giving second row Moss O’Callaghan an ideal platform to dominate in this particular sector.

Waterford City actually started the first half as the better team but despite early dominance saw a penalty and drop goal attempt sail wide. The home side soon began to get to grips with the game and out half Brian Leonard landed a penalty to nudge them 3-0 ahead.

Castleisland continued to drive forward and earned themselves a five metre penalty. Kieran Downey, who was excellent throughout the contest,took a quick tap, and with able support from Paul Butler and Danny O’Sullivan, touched down for a good try.

Leonard added the conversion to push his side 10-0 ahead. It was all Castleisland for the remainder of the half and the flawless Leonard added another penalty to give his side a very healthy 13-0 lead at half-time.

Castleisland started the second half in similar fashion and Leonard pushed his side 16-0 ahead with another well struck spot kick after prop forward Eric Nelligan caused consternation in the Waterford defence.

There was a kick in the away side however and they struck for a controversial converted try soon afterwards when the referee missed what appeared to be a knock on by the Waterford side and allowed the score to stand.

Waterford drove at Castleisland for the rest of the game in an effort to salvage a losing bonus point, but excellent defence from Castleisland kept the visitors at bay and they held out for a well deserved win.

Castleisland now move up to 11th place in the table in what is proving to be a very competitive division. They will have a very tough January where they have the unenviable tasks of taking on unbeaten Mallow and second placed Clonakilty.