'The Boys in Blue' from Tipperary hold Richmond scoreless in the second half
Kilfeacle record another victory in Munster Junior Rugby League
Kilfeacle 22 Richmond 10
After their win against Bandon in the league nearly five weeks previously “The Boys in Blue” were at home again, facing a Richmond side that had won in the league after a very impressive display against Mallow on their last league outing.
These encounters always have an edge and in the past emotions have run high, and lack of discipline has cost both sides dearly.
On this occasion emotions did run high but it had no impact on the outcome of a hugely entertaining game served up by both teams on Sunday.
The game started in a strong breeze that blew across the pitch and this had an impact on the game, as handling skills were hampered and the game became disjointed, particularly in the first half.
From the start Richmond took the game to the home side and had the better of the early exchanges in both lineout and scrum.
It took 15 minutes before the first score of the game arrived and that was in the shape of a Richmond penalty by Brian Mullins from just inside the Kilfeacle 22. Richmond had an early lead, 3-0.
Both teams knew that a win was vital. However, Richmond were to meet an ever-improving Kilfeacle side and a pack that was to be reckoned with on the day.
Richmond were trying to nullify Kilfeacle’s home advantage. However, a very strong Kilfeacle pack of forwards, ably assisted by a determined backline, soon had Richmond back pedalling.
Kilfeacle and District, the small club with the big heart, attacked with all its might and in the 27th minute scored a try, which was touched down under the posts by Jacques van Wyngaardt. Luke Heuston’s subsequent conversion attempt found its mark and Kilfeacle and District led by 7-3.
Four minutes later Richmond scored their only try of the game after an excellent skip pass caught the Kilfeacle defence flat-footed to see Richmond’s Paul O’Shea dive over in the corner. Brian Mullins added the two points for Richmond and they had wrestled back the lead, 10-7.
Both sides were trying their best to play open rugby but injuries and the conditions made the first half a very stop-start affair. As the half wore on Kilfeacle’s scrum and lineout started to perform better and they were finishing the better of the two teams.
Kilfeacle’s club captain Kevin Kinnane finished off a long period of concerted pressure by crashing over the line, ably assisted by Bobby Purcell, on the stroke of half time. Luke Heuston’s conversion attempt into a very strong breeze didn’t find its mark. The half-time scoreline read 12-10 to the home side.
Winning and with home advantage, the Kilfeacle squad knew that their hard work during the first half had now presented them with a realistic chance of achieving a win. Although trailing by two points at half-time, Richmond were still very much in the tie and were still matching their opponents stride for stride.
The Kilfeacle supporters were hopeful that they would see more of their team as an attacking force in the second half. They hadn’t long to wait. Whatever was said to the Kilfeacle squad during the half-time interval worked and the team started the second half with renewed gusto.
With just six minutes of the second half gone Kilfeacle were awarded a long range penalty and opted to kick for the three points. Luke Heuston saw his monstrous kick sail over the bar and Kilfeacle now had a five-point lead, 15-10.
The next 25 minutes were cagey, as both teams knew that the next score was vital. Kilfeacle were by far the better team during this time but the Richmond defence held tough.
Kevin Doyle scored a try in the 75th minute after a fantastic solo effort from outside the Richmond 22, which Luke Heuston again converted. The score was now 22-10 to Kilfeacle and the game was over as a contest, and thoughts and whispers were of a bonus point win.
The Richmond team now knew that their position was a desperate one and they summoned every ounce of energy, and Kilfeacle’s best endeavours in search of a fourth try saw them fall short of the mark. The final score was 22 points to 10 for Kilfeacle.
Kilfeacle thank everyone from Richmond RFC who travelled on the day and wish the club the best for the rest of the season.
Kilfeacle’s next game is a tough league encounter away against Skibbereen on this Sunday. The team as ever are proud and humbled by the amount of support they receive and hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support the “Boys in Blue”.
Kilfeacle and District’s squad on the day consisted of 1 Brian Barron, 2 Brendan Barron, 3 Richard Whitney, 4 Thomas Fogarty, 5 Bob Purcell, 6 Gavin McCormack, 7 Beau Walker, 8 Kevin Kinnane, 9 Gavin Heuston, 10 Luke Heuston, 11 Killian Noonan, 12 Muiri Lambe, 13 Jacques van Wyngaardt, 14 Kevin Doyle, 15 James Hogan, 16 Daniel Lambe, 17 Darragh Kennedy, 18 Ben White, 19 Cormac Ryan, 20 Adam Crowe, 21 Timmy Clarke and 22 Michael McCormack.
TRAINING STILL GOING STRONG
The Kilfeacle club is delighted to announce that the training for the underage/younger teams continues every Friday.
If you enjoy team sports in healthy surroundings with experienced coaches, great facilities and loads of fun then Morrissey Park is the place to be on Friday nights.