Thurles' seconds down Tipp rivals in Gleeson League clash

North Munster Gleeson League - Round 6

Thurles RFC 24  

Kilfeacle & District RFC 7

D-day arrived on Friday night for Thurles RFC Second XV as they faced near neighbours, Kilfeacle and District RFC, in the final Gleeson League game of the season. before the knockout part of the competition begins. 

A win for Thurles would find them four points ahead of Kilfeacle and boost the points difference, a defeat, and it was goodbye to another crack at bringing the prestigious Gleason League trophy back to Cathedral Town.

A chilly night and a reasonable pitch welcomed both sides to Loughtagalla.  The Thurles 15 were left in no doubt by Team Manager, Shay Scanlon, as to what was required from them. A longer-than-usual team Huddle was Scanlon's forum to demand 80 minutes of full effort from the boys in black and white. 

From the start, Thurles were on the front foot and constant pressure paid off when Kieran Ryan sailed over the line after spotting a breach in the Kilfeacle defence. Jack “Carty” Flanagan added the conversion. 

Following the re-start, more pressure from the Thurles Pack resulted in a penalty, and once again Flanagan stroked the ball beautifully over the black spot. 10 Nil to the home side

The backlash from Kilfeacle was not unexpected and as they built the phases, and a lovely offload sent their second row heading towards the Thurles line. Full Back Tommy Connolly slowed his momentum but the line was close and the Kilfeacle man stretched to touchdown. 

The conversion was added leaving three points in it, 10-7 to the home side at halftime, but Kilfeacle were coming to life. 

Shay Scanlon once again set the parameters for his black and white team at halftime. It was clear from the start that Scanlon's Sermon had the desired effect. Thurles piled on the pressure and great work by Dwayne Stanley and Eoin “Chipper” Ryan put Kilfeacle on the back foot. 

A lovely offload from Roy Stanley sent Steven Kirwin ploughing towards the Try line. Quick ball from Waterford “Duracell Man” Noah Meller allowed Kieran Ryan over the line once more, with  Jack Flanagan's conversion putting Thurles 17-7 ahead and on the front foot

With their offsides being analyzed from the sideline by Scanlon, the Thurles 15 again applied the pressure on at least 3 occasions they came close to adding to their scoreline. Thurles Hooker Kieran “Spuddy” Murphy was twice held up over the line while the Ballynonty Boy/ Joey Kelly was adjudged to be short by centimeters. 

The pressure paid off eventually and following a counter-attack set in motion by young guns, Sean McGrath and Kieran O’Hagan brought Thurles into the red zone where Jerry Ryan “Con” carried solidly. Another young buck, Andrew Burke cleared effectively, as he had done all day, and this allowed Mellor to feed Jack Kavanaugh who bruised his way over the line to score a great try. Flawless Jack Flanagan once again hit the sweet spot to give Thurles a commanding and well-deserved lead, 24-7.

Changes in the front row saw Brandon Meaney and Richie Houlihan come into the action, each playing their part very effectively and contributing to a fine victory for Thurles. 

Scanlon called his charges in to congratulate them and their efforts and remind them that the train keeps rolling and that improving fitness and attendance at training are both parts of the recipe for future greatness.

Thurles Team: Tommy Connolly, Kieran O HJagan, Roy Stanley, Ciaran Ryan, Sean McGrath. Jack Flanagan. Noah Mellor. Jack Kavanagh. Kieran Murphy, Steven Kirwin, Dwayne Stanley, Jerry Ryan Con, Eoin Ryan, Andrew Bourke, Joey Kelly, Ollie Delaney, Richie Houlihan, Brandon Meaney, Andrew “Onions” O Halloran, Peter Wall.