Match Report October 1st 2017
Seniors
Our Seniors started their 2017/2018 J1 Division 3 campaign at home to Bantry RFC this past Sunday. Both teams were up for the match which was evident from the opening whistle. Bantry drew first blood as Killorglin were penalized twice in rapid succession. The Bantry fly half stepped up to the mark and slotted the ball between the posts despite a very strong wind. Killorglin had a chance to equalize with a penalty of their own however the wind caught Luke O’Shea’s kick and it drifted just wide. Killorglin conceded another penalty, even thought Bantry were a long way from the posts they opted to go for the 3 points. Their gamble paid off and they found themselves up 6-0. Killorglin started to find their rhythm and defended well. some big tackles from the 3 Lynch’s, Cian Foley and Fionan O’Sullivan kept the Bantry attack at bay. Newcomer Mikey Houlihan picked some great lines to move the play up the pitch. It wasn’t long before a break came for the men from Killorglin. Tony Lynch popped the ball out wide to an oncoming Kyle Byrne near the halfway line. Kyle got within 5 meters of the Bantry try line before he was stopped. At the breakdown Bantry were shown a yellow card for having their hands in the ruck and deliberately stopping a try scoring opportunity. Killorglin opted to kick for touch and tried to maul the ball over the line, Timmy Lynch couldn’t quite break through but “little” brother Rob got over the line for his first senior try. Luke O’Shea made no mistake and added the extra 2 points leaving the score at 7-6. With a few minutes left in the half Killorglin’s indiscipline caught up to them as they conceded another penalty, Bantry’s kicking which had been on form all day continued and they retook the lead 9-7 just before the halftime whistle.
The second half started with Bantry still down to 14 men for a few more minutes, Killorglin were keen to take advantage. A brilliant kick for territory from Luke O’Shea found Bantry with a lineout on their own 5 meter line. The Sin bin finished but the damage was done, a crooked throw from Bantry gave Killorglin possession, they opted for a scrum and quickly threatened the Bantry line. Rodi Healy nearly got over but Bantry’s defense stood strong, Luke O’Shea spread the ball and found Tony Lynch who crashed over for his first try of the season. O’Shea again converted making the score 14-9. Killorglin started pushing for a 3rd try but Bantry were not done yet. As Bantry pushed up the field they were looking threatening until Tom Healy intercepted a Bantry offload near the half way line. The ball got into the hands of Rob Lynch, who got the ball to brother Timmy, Timmy got the ball to his other brother Tony and Tony punished Bantry with a excellent run from halfway and he dove over the line for his second and Killorglin’s 3rd try of the game. O’Shea again added the extras, 21-9 in favour of the home side. Killorglin pushed for a bonus point try. They were awarded a penalty inside the Bantry 22. Bantry were then penalized for not being back 10 meters, and were shown yellow. This yellow was the second of the game for the Bantry forward so the referee had no choice but to show him red. With Bantry down to 14 men Killorglin pushed for the 4th try but the Bantry defense proved too strong. the game would finish 21-9. A great display from the seniors, a bright start to the new campaign.
The seniors next game is this Sunday October 8th away to Douglas/Carrigaline at 2:30pm. you can follow the game on twitter @killorglinrugby.
Tries
Rob Lynch
Tony Lynch (c) x 2
Conversions
Luke O’Shea x 3