Red victorious in Plate final

Killarney RFC Red 35 Abbeyfeale 5

Our Red team produced their best performance of the season to emerge with a victory in the West Munster U14 Plate final. The opening moments were evenly matched and both teams strove to get on top. Killarney lost centre Cathal Sugrue early on – we chose to substitute him after he received a kick to the head at one of the first rucks. John Sexton moved inside off his wing and Killian Collins came onto the flank.

Killarney broke the early deadlock with a try from Jack Gabbett who managed to break a number of tackles to touch down close to the posts – giving outside half Luke Mccan an easier kick to extend the lead to 7-0.

The first half remained tight, but Killarney struck for a second try when Ciaran Doody burst over from close range to score under posts. Luke Mcccan again converted to leave Red ahead 14-0. The Red team sustained a prolonged period of Abbeyfeale pressure after failing to decisively control a long kick into the Killarney half. However, the defensive line held firm and the Reds went into the break 14-0 ahead.

At the start of the second half, both teams were acutely aware that the next score was going to be significant. Killarney stretched their lead to 21-0 when Arthur Gabbett scored close to the posts and gave Luke Mccan a simple conversion. The next score was a great mixture of rugby skills – good passing put Finán Blackwell into a gap. Abbeyfeale showed their defensive skills in executing a great cover tackle but Finán had support on hand to recycle from the ruck. The ball passed through the hands before Jack Gabbett driven over by his brother broke through the stretched defence. Again, Luke Mccan converted to give Killarney a 28-0 lead.

Abbeyfeale then responded with a try in the corner. The difficult conversion attempt was only narrowly short from near the touchline. Killarney had the final word with a try from John Sexton which was again converted by Luke Mccan.

Congratulations to the Red team on their win and commiserations to Abbeyfeale who pushed them hard all through. As well, as the scorers, the whole team contributed to the win with direct running and ball carrying from the forwards and speedy running from the outside backs to stretch the defence. We also saw from the whole team some excellent passing and – even more important – good decision making, and when needed some excellent tackling.

Team – Sean O’Leary (Oisin O’Sullivan ht), David Courtney, Dáithi O Donoghue; Shane Morrissey, Ciaran Doody; Robbie Casey, Mark Brosnan, Arthur Gabbett; Finán Blackwell (Paddy Moore ht), Luke McCan; John Sexton (Killian Collins 5 mins), Jack Gabbett, Cathal Sugrue (John Sexton 5 mins), Paddy Moore (Finán Blackwell ht); Jack Spillane;