U18 Girls take on Clonakilty in epic tussle

Killarney u18 girls came out on the wrong side of a titanic tussle away to Clonakilty at the weekend, recording their first loss in the league. A slow start cost the visitors as some poor defending saw them concede 14 points in the first 10 minutes to a well drilled and highly motivated Clonakilty team. Killarney played well once they got going with 2 tries from Ava O’Malley and one from Mary Ellen McDonnell on the board by half time bringing the score line to 22-17.

Killarney dominated possession in the second half with great physicality on display from both teams. Lily Morris, Ella Guerin Crowley and Emma Dunican carried tirelessly, Fia Whelan kicked well from hand and Marina Eagar put in a big shift at fullback, but ultimately the home defence held firm and a try against the run of play left the final score 29-17. These teams could well be meeting again in the knockout stages of the league and if so it will make for an interesting match.

Killarney U18 girls are out again in the League pool stage v Dolphin on 16 December. Training continues on Wednesdays at 6.30 and new players are always welcome.

Team:

15) Marina Eager

14) Isabella O’Leary

13) Ava O’Malley, 2 Tries

12) Niamh Dorrian

11) Mary Ellen McDonnell, 1 Try

10) Fia Whelan, Co Captain, 1 Conversion

9) Bronagh Dorrian

1) Annie O’Reilly

2) Emma Dunican

3) Emer O’Keefe

4) Ella Guerin Crowley

5) Joanne O’Keefe

6) Melissa McCarthy

7) Clodagh Foley

8) Lily Morris, Co Captain

16) Molly Gabbett

17) Jess O’Sullivan

18) Holly O’Sullivan

19) Nell Crowley

Coaches: Diarmuid O’Malley, Josh Whelan. Team Manager Elaine Clifford.