?Sunday’s Well 52 Charleville  and District 3

Sunday’s Well got their Munster Junior League campaign off to the ideal start with a big bonus-point victory over a fired up Charleville side. The visitors put in  a strong effort; but the ‘Well showed their class and ability to finish off eight try scoring opportunities; while they also had to absorb planty of pressure from the North Cork side.

It was an ideal start for the ‘Well straight from the kick-off. Kicking off deep, Conor O’Brien made a big tackle. Having reset, Charleville attempted a clearance that was blocked down by Shane O’Neill and the ball bounced into the end-goal area with Mike McCarthy pouncing on the loose ball to open the scoring.

The next ten minutes saw Charleville dominate possession. Winning a series of successive penalties; with two attempted kicks at goal that went wide. The ‘Well defended robustly with many big hits being put around the field. Conor O’Brien and James Mulcahy among those leading by example. 

After absorbing the pressure, the ‘Well managed to manufacture some breaks. Alex Lane and Gary Downey made some strong bursts with Cormac Kelliher often on hand. Eventually they extended their lead when Shane O’Neill finished off a move that started with Fabien Loughrey taking a quick penalty tap just outside the Twenty-Two.

A powerful line-out created a series of further opportunities . Adam Browne, who had a storming game came close to touching down but was stopped short. He smartly recycled the ball rather than stretching for the line. Another driving line-out maul saw Evan O’Connell; who was confirmed as the captain for the season, touching down. Logan Henry converted the latter two tries but Charleville got some reward at the end of the half when Jesse Smith kicked a penalty to make it 19-3 at the break.

The side from North Cork started the second-half bright with a series of penalties. The ‘Well struggled to get many phases going but when Jamie O’Leary intercepted a pass to secure the bonus-point try just before the hour mark; things started to open up.

Conor O’Brien ran the ball back from the kick-off, and after a series of strong carries; including a powerful dominant burst by Adam Brown; O’Brien finished off the move to touch down.

Logan Henry was dictating play from out-half making some smart cuts and passes. He combined beautifully for O’Leary for his own try and also finished the day with four conversions before taking a break. Gary Downey and Deservedly Emeka Asiegbu rounded off the scoring – with Fabien Loughrey taking over kicking duties to maintain the momentum from the Cork County Cup success.

Elsewhere in the Junior League; next week’s opponents Muskerry were involved in a very tight battle against Clanwilliam; but the team from Tipperary Town won our 20-13. Thomond had a bigger win than the ‘Well against Cork County Cup finalists Clon’; winning 57-3. One of the big results of the day saw Kilfeacle secure a bonus point away  win at last year’s League winners Richmond 26-12. Mallow claimed a big bonus-point win over Newcastle West 25-22 while Thurles defeated Kanturk 53-12.

The previous night; Bandon and Skibbereen drew 18-18. 

Scorers: Sunday’s Well: Logan Henry try, 4 cons, Mike McCarthy, Shane O’Neill, Evan O’Connell, Jamie O’Leary, Conor O’Brien, Gary Downey, Emeka Asiegbu tries; Fabien Loughrey 2 cons.

Charlevllle: Jesse Smith penalty. 

Sunday’s Well: Gary Downey; Alex Lane, Alex Guerin, Jamie O’Leary, Emeka Asiegbu; Logan Henry, Fabien Loughrey; Evan O’Connell (c), Adam Brown, Michael McCarthy; Shane O’Neill, James Mulcahy; Cormac Kelliher, Finn MacFhlannchadha, Conor O’Brien. Replacements: Rob O’Keeffe, Luke Jordan, Kevin Holland, Shane Desmond, John Costello, Eric Kingston, Ian Casey.