Kilfeacle within touching distance of Munster title after victory in Tipperary derby

Clanwilliam 16 Kilfeacle 31

Kilfeacle are only one win away from claiming their third Junior League title and were on the road again on Sunday facing a Clanwilliam side also in need of a win.

This local derby always has an edge and in the past emotions have run high, and lack of discipline has cost both teams dearly.
On this occasion emotions did run high but in fairness discipline did not lapse on either side so it had no impact on the outcome of a hugely entertaining game served up by both teams.

The game started in sunshine, with a light breeze that favoured the home side in the first half. Kilfeacle had to utilise their full squad as some players were not available due to injuries. Clanwilliam started brightly and earned a scrum penalty in the first minute that was scored by Niall Leahy. One would have thought that this bright start and home advantage would spur Clawilliam on.

However, a very strong Kilfeacle pack of forwards, ably assisted by a determind backline, soon had Clanwilliam back pedalling. Kilfeacle attacked with all their might and in the eighth minute scored a well- worked try that was touched down by Darren Lowry. Luke Heuston’s subsequent conversion attempt missed its mark. Kilfeacle were now leading 5 points to 3.

Nine minutes later Kilfeacle scored their second try when, after a number of phases, Jamie Heuston scored under the posts. His brother Luke added the extra two points and Kilfeacle had increased their lead to 12-3.

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The next 15 minutes followed the same pattern, with Kilfeacle gaining territory but then relinquishing it due to forced and unforced errors. Clanwilliam just couldn’t mount any sustained, serious attacks against a very well marshalled Kilfeacle defence so in the 33rd minute, when they were awarded a long distance penalty, they opted to kick at goal to bring the game back to a one-score game. Niall Leahy added the three points with aplomb to bring the score to 12-6 in the visitors’ favour.

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As the half wore on Kilfeacle began to look more and more dangerous every time they moved the ball. In the 38th minute Kilfeacle finally got the score that they deserved when an excellent lineout saw “the boys in blue” create an unstoppable rolling maul that crashed over Clanwilliam’s line, with Ricky Whitney touching down the ball.

Luke Heuston added the two points and Kilfeacle had stretched their lead to a half-time score of 19 -6.
Kilfeacle knew that their hard work during the first half had presented them with a realistic chance of achieving a win and maintaining their position as league leaders. The Kilfeacle supporters were hopeful that they would see more of their team as an attacking force in the second half.

However, they were made to wait. Whatever was said to the Clanwilliam squad during the half-time interval worked and the team started the second half with renewed gusto. The first 15 minutes of the second half was the period of the game when Clanwilliam were equal to their foes in most facets and better in some but all they had to show for their efforts was a penalty in the 52nd minute scored by Niall Leahy, bringing the score to 19-9.

This score seemed to sting Kilfeacle and stir them back into action. With just 58 minutes gone Bryan McLaughlin scored their fourth try, with the considerable aid of Adam Farrelly, Daniel Lambe, Thomas Fogarty, Adam Crowe, Rian Doody, and Kevin Kinane. Luke Heuston saw his conversion sail over the bar and Kilfeacle now had a 26-9 lead.

With the bonus point secured, Kilfeacle emptied the bench to give all the squad members some valuable game time.
These changes in personnel took a few minutes to bed in and during this time Clanwilliam took advantage and scored a try under the posts, touched down and converted by Niall Leahy. This converted try meant that Clanwilliam had reduced the deficit and Kilfeacle were now leading by 26-16.

Kilfeacle kept the pressure on, hunting for another score and finally in the 71st minute James Ryan touched down a pushover try after some fantastic team work. Luke Heuston was unlucky with the conversion attempt and Kilfeacle had now moved 31-16 ahead.

Clanwilliam summoned every ounce of energy and mounted an inspirational assault on the Kilfeacle line. However, their best endeavours on the day saw them fall short of the mark. This year the bragging rights belong to the hill.

Kilfeacle thank everyone from Clanwilliam RFC for a very sporting game and wish them the best for the rest of the season.
Kilfeacle’s next game is a home league game against Muskerry RFC on this Sunday February 15. Kilfeacle need just one win or four points from their last three league games to be crowned champions.

Kilfeacle’s squad: 1 Adam Farrelly, 2 Richard Whitney, 3 Daniel Lambe, 4 Thomas Fogarty, 5 Adam Crowe, 6 Rian Doody, 7 Gavin McCormack, 8 Kevin Kinane, 9 Gavin Heuston, 10 Luke Heuston, 11 Jacques van Wyngaardt, 12 Darren Lowry, 13 Muiri Lambe, 14 Kevin Doyle, 15 Jamie Heuston, 16 James Ryan, 17 Diarmuid O’Donnell, 18 Simon Barry, 19 Cormac Ryan, 20 Bryan McLaughlin, 21 Keith Bourke and 22 Ben Farrelly.

Training still going strong

Training for Kilfeacle’s underage/younger teams continues every Friday.

If you missed last week’s training don’t worry, 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 on Friday nights.