Bragging rights for Kilfeacle after double-scores win over Clanwilliam

MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE

KILFEACLE & DISTRICT 40 CLANWILLIAM 20

On Sunday last at Morrissey Park, a large crowd of supporters from both Kilfeacle and Clanwilliam gathered to cheer on their teams at Morrissey Park.

Kilfeacle immediately took the game to the visiting side but were met with a well-marshalled opposing team. Kilfeacle opened the scoring after nine minutes when Gavin Heuston finished off some fine team play, his brother Luke was unlucky with his conversion attempt so the score was 5-0.

Clanwilliam game roaring into the encounter when an excellent chip through from, Niall Leahy, bounced kindly for the onrushing Clanwilliam player who side stepped Kilfeacle’s full-back with some aplomb to score under the posts. Niall Leahy, who was one of Clanwilliam’s outstanding players on the day, slotted the conversion and put his side ahead 7-5.

In the 17th minute Gavin Heuston scored his and Kilfeacle’s second try after some fine work from Brian Barlow and Keith Bourke. Luke Heuston scored the conversion for 12-7 for Kilfeacle.

Clanwilliam were trying to nullify Kilfeacle’s home advantage by using the strong breeze to great advantage. In the 27th minute Niall Leahy expertly kicked a long-range penalty to edge his team closer to Kilfeacle 12-10.

The first half was being played at a hectic pace and it had a real derby feeling about it. In the last 10 minutes of the first half Clanwilliam started to impress, the combination of forwards and backs was working well together and putting together some fine breaks.

In the 35th minute, after some concerted effort and fine ball retention, they finished off a fine team effort to score a try under the posts which Niall Leahy converted. Kilfeacle needed to prevent Clanwilliam scoring anymore and get to the half time whistle to reassess and realign. Some last ditch defending against a very spirited attack, saw Kilfeacle hang on. The half-time score line read 17-12 to the visitors.

The very vocal, Kilfeacle supporters were hopeful that they would see more of Kilfeacle and District as an attacking force in the second half. They hadn’t long to wait. With just three minutes of the second half gone Kevin Kinnane with the considerable aid of Darren Ryan and Luke Heuston touched the ball down under the posts. Luke Heuston saw his conversion sail over the bar and Kilfeacle now lead by 19-17.

The Home of Rugby! Another Irish international with Tipperary connections

The next five minutes were cagey, as both teams knew that the next score was vital. Both teams built good phase play but the defences on both sides held tough. The Clanwilliam team now knew that their position was a precarious one and their winger summonsed every ounce and mounted an inspirational break out from defence and earned his team their first score of the half in the 52nd minute in the shape of penalty, scored once again by Niall Leahy. Clanwilliam now led by 20-19.

The loss of Brian Kissane for Clanwilliam, due to injury, late in the first half meant that Kilfeacle were dominating the lineouts.
In the 57th minute some excellent lineout play and a controlled rolling maul saw, the very popular Ricky Whitney return from injury and score Kilfeacle’s fourth try with a huge assist from Jack McLaughlin, Diarmuid O’Donnell, James Ryan and Ben White. Luke Heuston converted to bring Kilfeacle’s lead to 26-20.

Not to be outdone the Kilfeacle back’s decided to get in on the action. A fine passing move involving Darren Lowry, Keith Bourke, Kevin Doyle and Killian Noonan set up the opportunity for John Bourke to score in the corner. Luke Heuston drove another nail in the Clanwilliam coffin by converting from the sideline.

The score was now 33-20 in favour of Kilfeacle. The converted try gave Kilfeacle’s play more urgency and they sensed there were more trys to be had.

The next try came in the 74th minute in the shape of Darren Ryan barging through Clanwilliam’s defence to touch down under the posts. Luke Heuston once again added the points to bring the score to 40 points to 20.

After the game Conor Keyes said, “We are delighted with the win but Clanwilliam made us work for it! This score line is as much a reflection of the heart in this team as the skill. I believe both are huge! We have more big games coming up. Right now its fun to be a part of Kilfeacle and District and long may it continue. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Clanwilliam for a hard fought but sporting match and wish the club the very best in the future.”

Kilfeacle’s next game is a tough away game against St. Mary’s RFC on the 4th of December in the Munster Junior League. The team as ever are proud and humbled by the amount of support they receive and hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support the “Boys in Blue”.

Kilfeacle’s squad: Kevin Doyle; Killian Noonan, Keith Bourke, Darren Lowry, John Bourke; Luke Heuston, Gavin Heuston; Simon Barry, James Ryan, Diarmuid O’Donnell, Bryan McLaughlin, Brian Barlow, Darragh Kennedy, Ben White, Kevin Kinane.
Replacements: Brian Barron, Richard Whitney, Rares Stoica, Darren Ryan, Adam O’Connell, James Hogan, Shane Farrell, Bobby Noonan and Paddy Finnan.

Training still going strong
We are delighted to announce that the training for the underage/younger teams continues every Friday. If you missed last week’s training do not fear, as the place to be is Morrissey Park, Kilfeacle, every Friday night. If you enjoy team sports in healthy surroundings with experienced coaches, great facilities and loads of fun then Morrissey Park is the place to be Friday nights.