Match report by Seamus Grealy
Killarney U16s travelled to Cork city to take on Cork Constitution in a pre Christmas friendly.
The opening 25 minutes were evenly contested with fluid open rugby predominant in windy conditions. Con recycled ball well and tested and stretched the Killarney defence at times however wingers James Kennelly and Dan Twomey tackled ferociously. The game turned shortly before half time when Twomey fielded a kick on the 22 and released speedster Tomas Clifford who scorched away to outrun defenders and touched down. Donnchadh Grealy converted to leave the half time score 7-0.
Padraig Talbot superbly fielded the second half restart and attacked down the blind side, Twomey raced deep into the 22 before being hauled down, support arrived in numbers and the ball was moved along the back line with a deft offload from Ozdeniz Koyun releasing Clifford who pivoted over for his second try.
Shortly afterwards Killarney no7 John McCarthy timed his run perfectly from the base of a scrum to intercept a floating pass and raced away to score under the posts for a converted try.
The home side's heads noticeably dropped after Killarneys whirlwind start to the second half, and with confidence now brimming Killarney ran ball on every opportunity. The 4th try duly arrived after Kennelly skillfully dribbled a kick chase, regathered, recycled and Brendan OSullivan crashed over from close range.
The best was yet to come with the final try the culmination of a sweeping move that featured a succession of airy offloads before towering lock Darren Cronin dotted down. The conversion followed to conclude the scoring.
The front row of hulking prop Rob Nealon, Cengiz Koyun (on his hooking debut) and ever versatile Bailey O'Sullivan soldiered valiantly against a teak tough Con front row. Second row Darren Cronin excelled and alongside him Mikey Moriarty constantly displayed his all-round ability. Padraig Talbot had his best game of the season and his back row partners John McCarthy and Brendan O'Sullivan both scored tries and won hard yards at key moments.
Regular half back partners Peter Walsh and Donnchadh Grealy cooly controlled affairs constantly varying plays and kicking from hand particularly well. Centres Ozdenis Koyun and Tomas Clifford again stood out displaying electric pace and strength. Wingers James Kennelly and Dan Twomey enjoyed tormenting the opposition with or without ball, and Liam Randle certainly enjoyed the open space off full back countering and covering expertly.
Well done to Jack Kenneally and Caelan Sheehan who both stepped up for their first u16 outings. Shane McAllister and Mike O Donoghue dovetailed perfectly into the pack when introduced.
After the game the team enjoyed the hospitality of the gracious hosts at Temple Hill and were guests at the AIL game between Con and Young Munster.
Focus now switches to the draw for the Pan Munster Cup which will be released this coming week. Plans are also in place for a game against Skibbereen next weekend. We'll done to all on a very productive trip to Cork.
Killarney RFC 31 Cork Constitution FC 0
Tries: Tomás Clifford(2), Brendan O'Donoghue, John McCarthy, Darren Cronin;
Conversions: Donnchadh Grealy (3);
