Munster U16 Cup Douglas/Carrigaline 0 Killarney 52 – Match Report

Report by Seamus Grealy

Killarney U16s travelled to Douglas on Sat 5th and recorded a comprehensive victory against a young Cork side.

After receiving the kick off Killarney recycled and retained possession well, probing and  stretching the home defence repeatedly during the opening exchanges. The breakthrough came early  when Killarney centre Thomas Clifford broke the line and cleverly  chipped the ball over the last defenders and grounded  for the opening try. 

From the restart Killarney resumed their bombardment and following an attacking scrum no9 Peter Walsh sidestepped the blindside cover to touch down. Confidence was now evident in the expansive visitors approach and following a flowing passing movement involving most of the back line fullback Liam Randles switched a perfect floating infield pass for supporting  John McCarthy to crash over.

The tries continued to flow and following a well executed line out maul and a perfectly executed backline move the defensive cover was outfoxed and Thomas Clifford unselfishly passed  to the trailing Darren Cronin who certainly enjoyed scoring. A fifth try arrived just before half time when more abrasive forward picking and mauling resulted in powerful no6 Brendy O’Donoghue burrowing over. Out half Donnchadh Grealy converted 3 of the first half tries to leave the half time score 31-0.                                                                  Killarney introduced Caelan Sheahan for his first u16 outing on the right wing for the 2nd half. To their great credit the home side continued to defend  valiantly and gradually got a foothold in the game.  Killarney had to pull out another looping back move to release rookie winger Jack Kennelly who cut infield and slalomed around the cover to score his first u16 try. Douglas then enjoyed a period of dominance, camped in the 22 pressuring and forcing penalties. The Killarney defence refused to buckle however and the breakout was spectacular. When Liam Randles regathered his own kick, the move was continued with James Kennelly, Ozdenis Koyun, and Donnchadh Grealy handling before Peter Walsh touched down under the posts for a try that started on their own line. The final try arrived shortly before the end when another phase of interpassing again found the man of the match Walsh to complete his hat trick.                          

The Killarney props Adam Cronin and Rob Nealon enjoyed their Cork outing  carrying ball, tackling  and performing their scrum and line out duties expertly. Hooker Cengizhan Koyun  was strong and direct and also superb defensively.  Young 2nd row Shane McAllister  was  very prominent in open play with partner on the day Darren Cronin  breaking through cover repeatedly with pacy well timed support angles. John McCarthy bossed line out exchanges and was teak tough at the breakdown. Padraig Talbot was imperious under the restart and led the forward effort throughout. Brendy O’Donoghue threw accurately at lineout time and was abrasive and brave in contact.  Peter Walsh gave a scrum half masterclass scoring 3 tries in the process. Donnchadh Grealy kicked 6 conversions and marshalled offensive efforts with well-timed deft passing. Powerhouse centre pairing Ozdenis Koyun and Tomas Clifford terrorized the opposition with their power and speed. James Kennelly impressed with his evasive running and support play. Wingers Jack Kenneally and  Caelan Sheahan stepped up valiantly taking their opportunity with great conviction. Full back Liam Randles relished the open spaces of fullback and his positioning and counterattacking was first class.

In the other games in the group Clonakilty beat Nenagh and Clonmel defeated Cashel Kilfeacle.

Next up for Killarney is a mouthwatering home fixture against Clonmel  which will be played in Barraduff Community pitch next Sat Jan 12th at 12 midday.

Your support is much appreciated.