Match report by Milo, Photos by Liam and Fiona
Ultimately it was the conversions tapped over by Bronagh that was the difference of an epic match and win for Killarney U14 girls.
A strong wind dictated the flow of the match and Killarney made the most of it against a side that cup them apart when they met last November. Competing at the breakdown was going to be all important as the Bruff girls were one big outfit with bundles of talent and power runners.
Despite the talents of the opposition, Killarney have talent, grit and ability of their own and this was to the fore from the off. It was the sheer determination of Clodagh Foley that inspired everyone to up their game as she competed in one ruck after another always making a nuisance of herself and slowing down Bruff’s ball from the breakkdown. The front row of Ella Guerin, Jasmine Howard and Molly Gabbett found the heavy pitch challenging their lungs and legs, but it was always going to be a day to step beyond their comfort zone and so they did, going from one play to another, giving their all. Joanne being unavailable, it made selection difficult but we need not have worried as Nell Crowley stepped up with her usual brilliant tackling. Both Shauna and Jess packed down in the second row with captain of the day Fia Whelan doing very well at 8.
Such was the effort in the first half that Killarney were 17-0 at half time. Nobody would have predicted that score four months ago against a top side with much more experience.
Would it be enough as now Bruff had the strong breeze in their backs? Bruff started well, finding our weak spot and it wasn’t long before the scores came from poor tackling. To be fair, the amount of tackling done by Robyn Landers and in particular our out half, Bronagh Dorian, who was outstanding in defence and it’s this type of fearless commitment that kept us in the game.
The game hinged on the desire to win going deep into the second half, and it was Katie O Donghue, new to full back, who wouldn’t give in, as time and time again she linked with Fia and Robyn to take us out of our 22. Centres, Niamh Dorian and Holly O Sullivan were doing their best with Niamh taking some brilliant solo runs, leaving Bruff in her wake. Losing Niamh and Clodagh to injury was a massive blow to our structure and they were badly missed. Get well soon, girls.
But Marina, our flying winger was great deep into the game, gaining us vital yards and a chance to breathe. On the other wing, Mellisa McCarthy is gaining confidence and put in a good shift. Subs, Kate Mangan and Aoife Courtney did well also. Bruff has us pinned to our try line for the last ten minutes everyone expecting Bruff to go over, but, it was the girl’s sheer desire to beat a top tier team saw us hold out for an epic win. The girls deserved every bit of that win, they have been training in good numbers for the last few months. They earned huge respect from the parents, players and coaching staff from Bruff, who appeared totally shocked that such a new side could compete the way they did.
A big thank you to Donncha Murphy and Sean Landers, our water boys, who did a sterling job keeping the girls hydrated, to Josh and Liam for their help, to the ladies helping out in the Clubhouse, and most importantly, the parents who take the time to come see their kids perform in such a tough environment and shine.
