Killarney 38; Youghal 5

Munster Junior League Division 2

Killarney showed no signs of a Christmas hangover at Dirreen on Monday as they powered their way to a 38-5 demolition of Youghal. Played on a very heavy and wet pitch, it was always going to be difficult to play rugby, but Killarney’s forwards were superb in their midfield drives while the backs’ excellent handling in the tough conditions created plenty opportunities for scores. The bonus point was secured as early as the 47^th minute as Killarney ran in six tries with winger Mike Nash getting a hat-trick.

Early Killarney pressure paid dividends after 10 minutes when good carries brought them to Youghal’s 5 metre line and from a scrum, two quick passes by Paul O’Sullivan and Colin McCarthy, gave Pádraig Hallissey the room to dive over in the corner. A well struck conversion from the touchline by Paudie Sheahan gave Killarney a 7-0 lead. Killarney continued to press forward and some powerful running by John ‘Scully’ O’Sullivan, Pádraig Hallissey, Ger Moynihan and Brian O’Leary kept Youghal within their own half.

On 25 minutes Killarney scored their second try as a well worked 8 to 9 move from the scrum set up Mike Nash, who crossed from the left wing to score on the right. Youghal eventually managed some territorial gain and on the half-hour a lapse in concentration by Killarney was punished as Youghal captain Alan Moloney broke clear to score an easy try. However it was to be the visitors only score of the day as just before the end of the half Killarney struck again. Once again it came off a scrum as from 5 metres out Pádraig Hallissey broke for the line and despite the efforts of two Youghal defenders, he touched down under the posts for his seventh try of the season. The simple conversion by Paudie Sheahan left the half-time score 19-5.

Killarney continued to dominate after the interval especially in the set-pieces as their scrum was rock solid as ever and in the lineouts, Dave Hickey was superb winning throw after throw. The bonus point was then secured by Brian O’Sullivan after 47 minutes as a powerful run by Adrian Hegarty brought Killarney into the danger zone and the Killarney number 8 grounded at the post. Paudie Sheahan’s conversion stretched Killarney’s lead to 26-5.

By this stage Youghal seemed out of ideas as great defensive tackling by Killarney left little or no chance of a score. Killarney continued to pile forward as fullback Gene McCarthy and second row Alan Mulligan came more into the game with great runs. Twice Killarney crossed the goal-line only to be held up, however Mike Nash was on hand again on 55 minutes to make no mistake with his second try leaving the score 31-5.

With 10 minutes to go Killarney added their sixth try as a kick ahead by Gene McCarthy was chased by Mike Nash and as both players ran clear a further kick by McCarthy allowed Nash to touch down for his hat-trick. The conversion by Paudie Sheahan ended the scoring at 38-5 giving Killarney their third win in a row and brings them up to fourth in the table.