U14 West Munster Cup - Conference A Killarney Red 10 Castleisland 5
The Red team won a tight contest away to Castleisland. On a wet day both teams provided a compelling contest. Castleisland dominated the early moments and twice came close to scoring - being held up over the line on one occasion.
Killarney gradually gained a foothold in the game and began to apply pressure to the Castleisland defence. Finally, after a number of drives, Killarney were able to recycle the ball and Arthur Gabbett was able to drive over in the left corner. The narrow angle meant the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
Half time followed shortly afterwards, and we headed into the break 5-0 ahead.
The second half was similar in nature to the first with both teams pushing each other hard. Killarney struck the crucial blow early in the second half when Cathal Sugrue scored. From an attack down the left wing, we recycled possession and put width on the ball to stretch the Castleisland defence - Jack Gabbett found Cathal in space, his direct run with Bryan O'Connor outside in support had the defence in two minds and Cathal was able to continue his run to cross the line despite the rapidly closing drift defence.
10-0 down, Castleisland came back into the game. Killarney defence held for the longest time but finally Castleisland crossed our line. The attempted conversion hit the post leaving us 10-5 ahead with time running out.
As we tired, Castleisland again forced us to scramble in defence. A well won penalty gave us a chance to clear our lines with little time remaining but we were unable to win possession at the lineout and Castleisland came at us one last time. Desperate defence followed until Jack Gabbett was able to jackal at a ruck close to our line. We cleared to touch to the sound of the final whistle.
Killarney RFC Red: Oisín O'Sullivan, David Courtney, Daithi O'Donoghue; Ciarán Doody, Shane Morrissey; Killian Collins, Arthur Gabbett, Mark Brosnan; Paddy Moore, Luke Mccan; Finán Blackwell, Jack Gabbett, Cathal Sugrue, Bryan O'Connor; Jack Spillane.
