Abbeyfeales greater experience and cohesiveness proved decisive in this closely contested affair played in beautiful autumnal sunshine in Abbeyfeale on Sun 27th.
Killarney started very brightly and matched the hosts physically with the front row of Rob Nealon, Craig Mc Kensie Vass, and Ciaran O Brien enjoying a distinct early scrum advantage. In the 8th minute a probing Cian Murphy penalty found touch on the 22. An excellent John Mc Carthy line out catch set a well constructed maul marching forward, Brendy O Donoghues peel off for the line came up just short. Further Killarney pressure yielded a penalty attempt in the 12th minute that unfortunately sailed just wide. Abbeyfeales defence scrambled well and the first up tackling prevented any telling line breaks and although enjoying territory and possession the visitors were unable to cross the line. After 25 minutes Abbeyfeale eventually found their way into the 22 with a penalty touch finder after a high tackle offence.
The sharpness of the home team was evident as they manouvered a clever line out play with Cian Quigley catching and offloading in the air to Gearoid Scannell who cut for the corner and crashed over. For the remainder of the half Killarney pressed for a response and although getting into promising positions they failed to convert.The home team doubled the intensity of their effort after the restart and 15 minutes of dominance settled the contest. Again their sharper decision making and group cohesiveness was evident as the engineered 2 kickable penalties shortly after the restart when Killarney were penalized for coming in from the side and failing to roll away. With an 11 point cushion Abbeyfeale confidently attacked wide and after several well controlled phases Aodhan Cotter scored in the corner.
To their great credit Killarney showed commitment and resolve for the final 20 Mins. Killarney used all 23 players in various combinations and with the forwards rucking powerfully and the backline probing they attacked with conviction spreading play from side to side, however try as they might the try line eluded them. Today's game was a big step up in level and a valuable experience earner for this young team.
Although frustrated with a defeat the players and management can take great solace and encouragement from the team spirit and the impressive skill levels on display.There is great satisfaction for all involved to be competitive again at the u18 level. Focus now shifts onto the next two important games against Killorglin away and Newcastlewest at home.
The team on the day were backs, Dion O Neill, Cian Murphy. Michael Og Casey, Mark Sheahan, Tomas Clifford, Ronan Buckley, Gary Randles, Liam Randles, Donnchadh Grealy, Krystian Komosa, James Kennelly, Aidan Keane and Jack O Connell. The forwards were John McCarthy, Brendan O Donoghue, Matt Mcauliffe, Sam Casey, Evan Mannix, Padraig Talbot, Rob Nealon, Craig Mc Kensie Vass, Ciaran Obrien and Adam Cronin.
