U18 Killarney V Highfield - Match report Seamus Grealy, Photos Mary McCarthy. Compiled by Liam Murphy
Killarney's under 18 exploits for 2020 in Munster Cup rugby came to a close on Sat 1st of Feb going down against a fluid, balanced and sporting Highfield side in Aghadoe. With perfect weather conditions and an excellent surface both sides served up some exciting open rugby right from the outset. Highfield retained ball superbly early on and moved ball with precision and control testing this home defence. After 13 minutes they crossed in the right corner for the first try taking advantage of a well worked overload on the open side. A superb conversion from the touch line stretched the lead to 7. As expected the home side sparked into life following the early setback and enjoyed a sustained period of pressure.
Tomas Clifford provided energy and speed from scrum half and with ball moving through the phases wingers Mark Sheahan and Aidan Keane threatened with ball in hand. The visitors defence was watertight and any turn overs were punished by Highfields 10 who booted deep to relieve the pressure. Again Killarneys front 8 competed superbly at scrum time with the usual front row momentum boosted by strong Krystian Komosa and Sam Casey assistance in the engine room. The lineout however was dominated by Highfield who had 4 different highly competent jumpers on show. Unfortunately Killarney could not forge out the required score although spending time attacking and for a period of time camped on the line. Highfield went further ahead just before half time following a penalty kick deep into the 22. The lineout was secured and clinically mauled over in the left corner. This time the conversion was majestic from the left touchline. The half time score was 14 to 0 in favour of Highfield.
The second half again provided a feast of open attacking play with both sides moving ball skillfully through hands. The defensive commitment and organization triumphed with no further score during the entire half. Both sides used the opportunity to unload the bench and try new combinations with no apparent drop in commitment or skill level.
On the day the ever present front row were immense. Both pros Rob Nealon and Ciaran O Brien were very powerful carrying ball and supporting the ever dynamic Craig McKenzie Vass. Sam Casey and Krystian Komosa made the hard yards and the back row of Matt McAuliffe, Brendy O Donoghue, and John McCarthy competed valiantly. Adam McSweeney caught the eye with a thumping physical display when introduced for the second half and Evan Mannix addedd to the lineout options when introduced. Adam Cronin covered a number of positions with aplomb when required.
Great credit must also go to our ever changing dextrous backline who performed bravely in defence and in attack. Thomas Clifford reminded all of his speed and strength. Usual suspects Donnchadh Grealy and Dion O Neill led the attack and as always tackled superbly. Padraig Talbot showed his versatility easing into the centre position and the back three of James Kennelly Aidan Keane and Mark Sheahan all gave their best performances of the season.
Although completing the round Robin phase without a victory Killarney can be proud of the sustained competiveness and skillful competence competing at Munsters highest level. Hopefully the invaluable experience garnered by this young panel will yield dividends in the future.
