Kilfeacle win Tipperary rugby derby to reach Mansergh Cup final

Kilfeacle 25 Cashel 21

Kilfeacle and District RFC travelled to nearby senior club Cashel RFC on Saturday last for the Mansergh Cup semi-final. The game was played with great spirit and commitment, with a lot of free-flowing moves and running of the ball.

Kilfeacle were dealt a blow before the game started when Brian Barron suffered an injury in the warm-up. This meant an early call-up for Paddy Finnan, who stepped up to the mark and really impressed.

Under the lights in the evening kick-off the home side started the better and after eight minutes scored the first try after some excellent team play. The try was converted in very wet and blustery conditions. Cashel did not ease off on the pressure but met with a resolute, skilful and committed Kilfeacle team who were starting to find their feet and come more and more into the game.

This was a typical early game of the new season, a very stop-start affair, with players only gaining match fitness, getting to know each other, becoming accustomed to new positions, new systems and new calls, coming to terms with new rules and their interpretations.

In the 12th minute the visiting side started to show some promise and were able to breach their opponents’ line and score a try, which was touched down by a very impressive Bobby Purcell. Luke Heuston was very unlucky with his conversion attempt. The visitors had reduced the deficit to 8-5.

The next 15 minutes were evenly-matched, with both teams playing exciting rugby but with the defences on top. Kilfeacle finally breached the Cashel rearguard when captain Kevin Kinnane crashed over in the corner. Luke Heuston’s conversion attempt missed its mark, although “the boys in blue” now led 10-8.

This score spurred Cashel into action and an excellent series of phases involving their whole team saw them score under the posts. The try was easily converted and Cashel had wrestled back the lead, 14-10. This is how it remained until the half-time whistle sounded.

Although trailing by four points, Kilfeacle were optimistic about achieving their goal and coming away with a win. Cashel, however, were still matching their opponents stride for stride and a very entertaining 20 minutes filled with endeavour flew past. All that was missing during this 20 minutes was a score, even though both sides came close on numerous occasions.

In the 60th minute an excellent move involving Adam Crowe, Thomas Fogarty and Anthony Foley saw Cathal Hallissey dive over the line to score Kilfeacle’s third try. Luke Heuston was unluky with the conversion attempt so Kilfeacle led by the narrowest of margins 15-14. Luke Heuston got on the scoreboard in the 65th minute with a penalty to extend Kilfeacle’s lead to 18-14.

Kilfeacle were definitely having their best period of the game and in the 72nd minute Kevin Kinnane scored his second try of the night after some excellent play involving Brendan Barron, Richard Whitney, Darragh Kennedy, Gavin Heuston, Killian Noonan, Jacques van Wyngaardt and Timmy Clarke. Luke Heuston added the two points. The score was now 25-14.

Cashel threw everything but the proverbial kitchen sink at Kilfeacle and in the 35th minute, after many phases of play, crashed over the line under the posts. No time was wasted adding the two points and with the score now 25-21 they were back to within striking distance. To Cashel’s dismay Kilfeacle kept them pinned back in their own 22 for the remainder of the game to seal a hard-fought and well earned victory.

Kilfeacle thank Cashel for a very sporting, hard-fought game and wish them every success in the coming season. The atmosphere among the Kilfeacle squad is very positive and training sessions have been very productive. However, everyone knows that there is still a lot of work to be done.

What is most encouraging is the fact that the underage system within the club and all the hard work put in at grassroots level by the underage coaches and trainers is now having a huge and positive impact on the first team. The younger members of the squad showed great promise during Saturday’s game. The season ahead augers well and promises to be a fruitful one.

Training continues as ever in Morrissey Park on Tuesdays and Fridays. Our next competitive action is in the Mansergh Cup Final against Nenagh Ormond RFC, with the date and venue yet to be confirmed.

Kilfeacle’s squad against Cashel was 1 Brian Barron, 2 Brendan Barron, 3 Richard Whitney, 4 Adam Crowe, 5 Bob Purcell, 6 Darragh Kennedy, 7 Thomas Fogarty, 8 Kevin Kinnane, 9 Gavin Heuston, 10 Luke Heuston, 11 Killian Noonan, 12 Anthony Foley, 13 Jacques van Wyngaardt, 14 Cathal Hallissey, 15 Timmy Clarke, 16 Paddy Finnan, 17 Tristan Cleary, 18 Caoimhin Doody, 19 Robert Noonan, 20 Kyle Morris, 21 Shane Farrell and 22 Jack Wade.