U14 West Munster Cup - Killarney Black 26 Killorglin 17
The Killarney Black U14 team overcame an early 12 point deficit to record their first win in the West Munster Cup despite finishing with 12 men due to injury and a yellow card.
Killorglin kicked off and with the benefit of a strong wind and some equally strong carrying pinned Killarney in their own 22. The first try arrived after 10 minutes when Killorglin scored in the left corner after persistent pressure. A second score soon followed as we were unable to get out of our own half due in part to poor decision-making and strong work from Killorglin forwards.
We got a break shortly before halftime - moving the ball wide we found Shane O'Sullivan in space. His powerful run broke several tackles and he was able to score close to the posts, giving Dara Stack an easier task to convert the try.
Going in 12-7 down at halftime, we felt we had weathered Killorglin's early pressure and would have the benefit of a strongish breeze in the second half.
In the second half, we used the breeze to put the ball behind our opponents and when in possession moved the ball wide to stretch the defence. The result was three quick tries in rapid succession through Shane O'Sullivan (2) and Tom Chambers - the latter scored from barnstorming run.
Dara Stack converted 1 try and Shane O'Sullivan kicked a great conversion of his own try from the left touchline. From 12-0 down we had stretched into a 26-12 lead. The loss of Gearóid Sugrue and Scott Carlton to injuries and a yellow card meant we finished with 12 players. Killorglin had the final say with a try with the final play of the game through their speedy 15. Final score - Killarney 26 Killorglin 17
This was our most complete performance this season - good defensive tackling in the first half was matched by good attacking play in the second half. The lads can be pleased with their win. However, we host Corca Dhuibhne next week and will need to show an equivalent performance to beat them.
Killarney Black: Jack Tangney; Leon Bowler, Mark Kennelly, Hugh Dorrian, Colm Janot; Dara Stack, Senan Cotter; Tom Chambers, Luis Caruz, Scott Carlton; Kris O'Leary, Dáire Kingston; Connie Counihan, Gearóid Sugrue, Shane O'Sullivan;
