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| Tralee 2nds V Killarney 2nds |
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Tralee 2nd XV V Killarney 2nd XV (8 - 20) Killarney second team secured a memorable away victory over Tralee with a performance to treasure. In an absorbing and fully committed display, the team showed new found composure and resolve to overcome a team that has been dominant in this league and beyond in recent years. Killarney’s youthful and enthusiastic forwards were well on top in the loose and their ball possession and retention throughout was fantastic. Five of the starting pack are aged twenty-one or under which bodes well for the future. Killarney’s pitch was unplayable, so they offered to travel to Tralee in order to fulfil the fixture. Tralee won the toss and surprisingly decided to play with the wind in the first half. Flanker Donal O’Donovan received an early yellow for a late tackle and Killarney were down to 14. Despite playing into the wind Killarney were well on top in terms of possession and territory throughout the half. David Treacy converted one of two attempts at goal and Tralee converted a penalty of their own during a rare visit into the Killarney 22. The score was 3 all at half time. Early in the second half, Treacy decided to take on an extremely ambitious long range penalty goal from beyond the ten yard line. It was not his best strike but the wind helped and the ball crept over the upright. Straight from the restart Killarney put together an excellent series of passes. Moynihan and Linnane combined to send Lenihan clear. He drew the cover and with a beautifully timed pass sent his fellow centre McSweeney over for the try. Treacy converted to leave the score at 13 to 3 in Killarney’s favour. It started to feel like it might be Killarney’s day. Tralee found themselves in an unaccustomed position of having to play catch-up rugby and though they responded in determined fashion their handing was not as immaculate as we have come to expect. Killarney’s defence, scrambling and counter rucking was relentless, having created a winning position they were determined not to let it slip. Sweeney made an impressive break and off loaded to the supporting John Friel. He still had plenty to do, but had the pace to round the covering full back and go in under the posts. Treacy added the points and Killarney were 20 to 3 to the good. Tralee flyer Sean McTiernan, well shackled throughout, did get over for a late try. Killarney responded though, closing out the game with a great spell of ball retention and offloading. The Killarney team to a man all enjoyed excellent games. Darren Enright was a candidate for man of the match with a series of carries and good work at the lineout. Paul Moynihan was immense, back in full time training, his ball skills are first rate. Substitute Ollie O’Neill anchored the scrum, lifted with gusto and never took a backward step. Diarmuid O’Donoghue is improving game by game and is an energetic and committed player. Cha Johnson was prominent throughout and back to his best. Scrum half Dennis Kissane was instrumental in the victory controlling possession from the base of the ruck. TJ Linnane slipped seamlessly into the 10 jersey and adds personality and nous to the side. John O’Keefe on the wing delivered the type of performance he has promised for some time. Tralee’s number 8 cuts an imposing figure and had built up a significant head of steam before encountering Shane McSweeney. The collision was something to savour and the Kilcummin man’s commitment and strength in contact sent out an important signal. Finally, Captain Keith O’Leary’s organisational work on and off the field has been instrumental in bringing this group together and he deserves great credit. Team: David Treacy, John O'Keefe, Shane McSweeney, George Lenihan, Kareem Qasim, TJ Linnane, Denis Kissane, John Friel, Donal O'Donovan, John Paul Kissane, Darren Enright, Diarmuid O'Donoghue, Paul Moynihan, Keith O'Leary (capt), Peter Kelly Subs: Ollie O'Neill, Cha Johnson, Paudie O'Sullivan, Rob Fox
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