On Saturday 18th January, we welcomed Clonakilty's U14s to Aghadoe. Defying the icy roads in Cork, they came to Killarney to play under clear skies and brilliant sunshine.
Although missing a few due to injury and illness - Clonakilty were happy to play a 3x20 minutes format for our friendly. We started with a strong combination consisting mainly of our U14 age group. They rapidly took control and scored 2 quick tries. Early success then turned our heads a bit and we were guilty of "white line fever" when easy passing options would have resulted in further scores.
Clonakilty strengthened for the second period and we gave the Red team their chance. This period was more competitive and we were on the back-foot for much of the 20 minutes but determined defence and maybe a little luck restricted Clon to a single score. Defending far too narrowly - we presented Clon with an overlap that they took full advantage of, and added a decent conversion as well.
In the third quarter, we mixed it up again restoring the Black backline to play with the Red forwards and then brought on lots of subs to try some different combinations and positions. A try for both teams meant the spoils were shared in the final period. With the U14 West Munster cup and plate competitions beginning next weekend, this was perfect preparation for our leap forward by running 2 teams at U14.
Thanks to Tony, Nev, and Brian at Clonakilty RFC for bring their teams down to play us. We look forward to the return visit - hopefully on Feb 15th.
Thanks must also go to the parents who helped the catering for our teams and our visitors.
Killarney Black: Alfie Barrett; Leon Bowler; Scott Carlton; Luis Caruz Echevarria; Thomas Chambers; Senan Cotter; Connie Counihan; Hugh Dorrian; Mark Kennelly; Daire Kingston; Kris O'Leary; Shane O'Sullivan; Dara Stack; Gearóid Sugrue; Jack Tangney.
Killarney Red: David Butler; Eanna Coffey; Luke Courtney; Alex Courtney Sheahan; Ciaran Doyle; TJ Healy; Jake Leahy; Pierce Leslie; Ignacio Moreno Guzman; Gearoid O'Connor; Muiris O'Donoghue; Conor O'Sullivan; Tomás Swords; Bryan Walsh; Adam Lynch; Daire Murphy; Jack O'Donoghue
