Killarney U16s ramped up their preparations for next Saturdays Munster Cup game against Douglas Carrigaline with an emphatic win over fellow local qualifiers Tralee.
Training had progressed very positively over the holidays alternating between hands on MMA under mentor P. J. Lucey, hands on ball under the lights at Celtic, and more down and dirty conventional work at the excellent Barraduff facility.
The game was played under the 3x20 minute format that allowed both teams to mix and match and vary formations. There were many positives taken from the 7-try performance. Powerful Killarney centre pairing Tomas Clifford and Ozdenis Koyun dominated proceedings turning over ball and running in 4 quality tries between them (Tomas took home the match ball! ).
The Killarney lineout worked to perfection with thrower Brendy O Sullivan combining perfectly with 1st jumper John McCarthy. owever clever variations were also evident with Mikey Moriarty and Padraig Talbot also securing possession.
As a unit the Killarney backline linked impressively, Liam Randles continued to grow into the fullback position scoring an impressive try and winger Dan Twomey built on his growing reputation powering over for the first score. The most satisfying aspect of the performance was the display of the younger players: Cengiz Koyun scored his first try for the club, Jack Kenneally, Shane McAllister and Mikey Moriarty all reached the pitch set by their more experienced teammates. Peter Walsh tackled and cleared out continuously, Donnchadh Grealy kicked powerfully from hand and James Kennelly covered and probed from the wing.
The forwards defended vigorously against a strong combative Tralee 8 who crossed for a well worked try early on. Adam Cronin, Rob Nealon, and Darren Cronin all doubled their efforts to keep the line intact thereafter. The final score was a 39 to 5 victory for the visitors.
All efforts are now focused on next week's away game in the Munster U16 game in Douglas (kick off 12 midday). This is the second year running that the U16s have qualified for top tier Munster competition and hopefully the experience garnered from last year will benefit the team.
As we enter the new year it's only appropriate to mention an annual word of thanks to the coaching /management team of Seamus Grealy, John O Connell, Leo Randles, Eoin Seery, Bill Stack, Fiona Reidy and Conn Crowley.
Everyone is looking forward to an enjoyable and competitive 2019.
