Sunday’s Well 22, Kilfeacle 24.

It was another disappointing result; despite a powerful and resolute performance against high-flying Kilfeacle. The game itself was lost in the most heart-break manner. It was a highly committed full 80-minute performance , despite some pre-match late changes; as some key players like Captain Finn MacFhlannchadha had to drop out.

The ‘Well trailed going into the final couple of minutes with a man down. They mustered pressure and after a solid scrum the ball was spread out to Emeka Asiegbu on the ten metre-line. He made a magnificent burst; barging over two tackles and was about to be dragged down just short of the try-line but he held himself up and gave an inside pass to Mariano Cosimi who crashed over.

The ‘Well looked to wind down the clock after the score; and went through several phases; but when a scrum was awarded their was still time left for Kilfeacle to attack. They had some powerful surges and spread the ball around; eventually utilizing the extra-man with Jacques van Wyngardt claiming the match-winning try and breaking the hearts of the ‘Well players and supporters alike.

The ‘Well got off to a storming start with some intricate attacks. Andrew ‘Bull’ O’Callaghan was constantly barging through the middle, Mariano Cosimi made several great breaks and Cormac Kelliher powered through the middle. David Hourigan had a strong outing at the scrum and knocked over opposing defenders like skittles.

Cormac Kelliher almost got the opening try but was pushed into touch just short of the line with a diving effort; but Ciaran Maguire did put the ‘Well into the lead with a penalty. Kilfeacle struck back and got two tries with a strong middle patch. Bob Purcell powered over before Brendan Barron touched down after a driving maul from a line-out. Luke Heuston converted both.

The ‘Well; with a solid platfrom from the line-out; where Kees PEreka in the second-row alsongside Andrew Mintern claimed excellent ball. The attacking flair; directed by Fabien Loughrey started create clear openings with Harry McHenry cutting inside after Kelliher set up the position; juggling a pass under the attention of several opposing defenders. At the end of the half, a flowing move from the right to the left wing saw Alex Lane touch down. Maguire converted both – with the second one from the touchline magnificently struck to give the ‘Well a 17-14 lead.

The second-half didn’t see any impact on the score-line until the final ten minutes. But there was plenty of action. Ryan O’Donoghue-Kelleher; who usually plies his trade in the backs was shifted to wing-forward alongside Mikey O’Connell. They both had excellent games; with Ryan in particularly noticeable in defence; where he was like a rabid terrier. Chopping down bigger players with low tackles and often pressing up to create turnovers.

The ‘well did create a number o chances with Alex Lane particularly unlucky as a couple of final passes to him were adjudged to be narrowly forward.

As the game reached its conclusion, Kilfeacle pressed with a series of penalties and the ‘Well went a man-down. Purcell crashed over for his second try of the game to put the Tipperary side in front. Emeka made a great burst to set-up Mariano but last ditch score snatched that moment of glory from those two great performers.

Sunday’s Well: Mariano Cosimi; Alex Guerin, Harry McHenry, Andrew O’Callaghan,  Alex Lane; Ciaran Maguire, Fabien Loughrey; David Hourigan, Dylan Cooper, Michael McCarthy; Andrew Mintern, Kees Pereka; Mikey O’Connell, Ryan O’Donoghue-Kelleher, Cormac Kelliher. Replacements: Evan O’Connell, Sean McDonald, Jacob Lane, Darragh Miller, Robert Egar,, Emeka Asiegbu, Eric Kingston.

Kilfeacle: Gareth Thomas; Michael McCormack, Kevin Doyle, Jacques van Wyngardt, Mikey Fitzgibbon; Luke Heuston, Gareth Heuston; Brian Barroon, Brendan Barron, Richard Whitney; Beau Walker, Bob Purcell; Gavin McCormack, Brian Barlow, Kevin Kinane. Replacements: Daniel Lambe, Robert Noonan, Adam Crowe, James Hogan, Muiri Lambe, Timmy Clarke , Killian Noonan.

Scorers: Sunday’s Well: Harry McHenry, Alex Lane, Mariano Cosimi tries; Ciaran Maguire pen, 2 cons.

Kilfeacle: Bob Purcell (2), Brendan Barron, Jacques van Wyngardt tries; Luke Heuston 2 cons.