Kilkenny under-16s bounce back with victory over New Ross

The Kilkenny under-16 boys secured an impressive victory over New Ross in their second match of the season at Foulkstown last Saturday evening.

After a tough start with a loss in their opening South East game against Gorey, Kilkenny bounced back with a dominant performance, finishing the match with a 40-7 win.

From the outset, Kilkenny took control, applying pressure from the kickoff with Cody Phelan forcing an early turnover.

Though New Ross won the initial lineout, Kilkenny’s solid defence allowed them to keep the play in the visitors’ half. Kilkenny capitalised when a well-executed scrum just outside the New Ross 22 provided an opening for full-back Paul Millea, who dashed down the left wing to score the game’s first try, with Scott O’Shea adding the conversion.

Kilkenny’s attacking prowess shone throughout the first half. Winger Charlie Byrne made a strong run following a wide ball from Sean Daly and Rory Rhatigan, bringing play back to midfield.

The Kilkenny forwards, led by Ollie Molloy, Patrick McDonnell and Cody Phelan, started to dominate in contact, creating more attacking opportunities.

Phelan soon crossed the line for Kilkenny’s second try, following excellent chasing work from Ollie Molloy and Darragh Corcoran.

With Kilkenny continuing to control the game, a break by Number Eight Cody Phelan through the New Ross midfield set up Darragh Corcoran for the third try, which O’Shea once again converted.

Despite New Ross starting to find some rhythm through their powerful backrow, Kilkenny’s defence, led by Eoghan Lynch and Paul Murphy, held firm.

A penalty near the New Ross 22 allowed second-row Patrick McDonnell to power through several tackles to score under the posts, with O’Shea bringing the half-time score to 26-0.

New Ross came out strong in the second half, applying sustained pressure on the Kilkenny line, and were eventually rewarded with a converted try under the posts to reduce the deficit to 26-7.

Kilkenny responded with renewed energy and, after a powerful run from prop Ryan Jackman, they regained control with a try near the posts, which was converted by Rory Rhatigan.

Another determined carry by the ever-impressive Ollie Molloy sealed victory with a final try, also converted by Rhatigan, bringing the final score to 40-7.

Cody Phelan, who played a standout role in both attack and defence, was named Player of the Week for his contributions in the match and his commitment during training. The Kilkenny under-16s now look ahead to their next challenge against Tullamore RFC in the Leinster League today at Foulkstown.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to the New Ross player who sustained a leg injury late in the game.

Kilkenny - Paul Millea, Danny O’Callaghan, Sean Daly, Cody Phelan, Charlie Byrne, Scott O’Shea, Senan Dempsey, Cormac Whelan Foxe, Darragh Corcoran, Paul Murphy, Dara Sweetman, Ollie Molloy, Eoghan Lynch, Rory Rhatigan, Daniel Mezzapelle, Ruairi Hannigan, Brian Tierney, Tom Brennan, Oliver Murphy, Ryan Jackman, AJ Stafeckis, Tommy Read.