The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Wins for Killorglin and Tralee in Division 3
MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISION 3 Killorglin 29 Douglas/Carrigaline 12
KILLORGLIN recorded a well deserved win over Douglas/Carrigaline at wet and windy Ballymalis last Sunday. The conditions made it difficult to play controlled rugby, but in fairness both sides gave a good honest account of themselves, with Killorglin’s better fitness and skill levels making all the difference.
Killorglin played against the elements in the first half but started the brighter of the 2 sides. After a good bout of pressure, and some excellent carries by their mobile forwards, Mike Breen touched down near the corner for a good unconverted team try. Killorglin continued to take the game to their opponents with their pack keeping the exchanges tight, and Dave Hayden was certain that he had scored a try only for the ref to call back play for a double movement.
Douglas/Carrigaline began to grow into the contest and the Killorglin defence was called upon to make some timely interventions. Their pressure eventually paid off when the away side scored a converted try to take a 7-5 lead. It was time for Killorglin to rise again and they did so with gusto. A breakthrough was threatening for a while with some enterprising play from the backs, but eventually it was Darragh O’Shea who made the breakthrough and reach over the line following a good maul from the forwards. Luke O’ Shea added the conversion to push Killorglin 12-7 ahead with just 5 minutes left in the half. There was still time for more drama before half time as Killorglin refused to drop their intensity. Killorglin forced a 5 metre scrum after a strong rolling maul, and Luke O’Shea darted in off the back of the set piece to touch down and leave the home side with a healthy 17-7 lead at the half time break.
The start of the second half was quite a messy affair with both sides guilty of some sloppy play whilst in good positions. Killorglin still looked the better side but a series of handling errors and poor execution began to cost them. Their perseverance eventually paid off and after a good line out take , Cian Foley showed great strength before passing to Dave Hayden who went over the whitewash for try number 4 and a secured bonus point for the hosts. Killorglin looked to have the game done and dusted but the visitors showed great resilience to strike back for an unconverted try to leave the score at 22-12. Killorglin took the game to their opponents once more, and Luke O’Shea continued to keep Douglas pinned in their own half with some astute tactical kicking. Killorglin craved one more try to finish out the game, and it was worth waiting for. Rob Lynch ran an excellent line and a lighting quick offload from Luke O’Shea saw Lynch touch down for a super try. The referee called time on proceeding straight after O’Shea added the conversion.
Dunmanway 0 Tralee 49
TRALEE continued their relentless march towards the J3 title with a comprehensive victory away to bottom side Dunmanway last Sunday. The victors are playing with confidence and assurance and are 4 points ahead of nearest rivals Mitchelstown. Tralee have 2 games to go in the league with an away trip to Ennis next weekend and the final League match will be on February 10 when Rugbai Corca Dhuibhne visit O’Dowd Park.
Tralee scored tries from Eoin O’Carroll, Fearghal O’Nuallain, Danny Cournane, Gavin Peevers, Richard Liston, Ben O’Neill and Jeffrey Foley whilst Jack Quilter slotted home 4 conversions and a penalty.
Dungarvan 41 Killarney 5
KILLARNEY made the long journey to Dungarvan but found the locals too hot to handle on the day. Killarney travelled with the hope of upsetting the locals and making further in their promotion push, but the home side produced a tour de force second half to send the red and black side home with their tails firmly between their legs.
It all looked very promising for Killarney in the first half, although Dungarvan did race into a 7-0 lead early on. Killarney stuck to their task however and Brian Foley scored a good try after some fine work from Paul O’Sullivan, to leave the half time score at 7-5 in favour of the hosts. Dungarvan came out a completely different side in the second half and put 4 more tries on the visitors as they sealed a comprehensive win that takes them to within 1 point of Killarney in the J3 table.
Scariff 34 Chorca Dhuibhne 19
CORCA Dhuibhne are finding it tough going at the moment and made the journey to Scarrif with just 14 players. Scarrif managed to put 6 tries past the hapless westerners, but it wasn’t all one sided as Corca Dhuibhne gave a spirited performance in spite of their numerical inferiority. Corca Dhuibhne scored tries from Alan Devane, Adam Daly and Micheal Breathnach with Seamus Moriarty converting 2 out of his 3 kicks.