Kanturk 26, Sunday’s Well 27.

Sunday’s Well return to the junior ranks did produce a very exciting encounter against a Kanturk side that are on the up. The game saw the introduction of a number of new players into the ‘Well fold; with a couple of notable returnees into action as well. Most notably was the introduction of Logan Henry into the centre; who had a powerful debut and his perfect kicking record from the tee proved crucial in a tight yet topsy-turvy affair.

Shane Desmond and Peter Arigho returned and put themselves about. They certainly add great experience and depth and enjoyed excellent displays. As well as the sublime Logan; whose talent and ability should allow others expose their own talents as the year progresses; Shane O’Neill also had a notable debut, while Robert O’Keeffe looked like a long-term regular as he switched to the front-row at hooker.

Both sides had their moments in a game that provided an excellent evenings entertainment for the sizable crowd. The ‘Well had a strong scrum; some excellent mauls and also had some powerful runs through the centre. Kanturk also ran some excellent lines and had plenty of power on their.

Logan settled into the game with an excellent long-range kick. The ‘Well’s scrum allowed them get into a strong attacking position. An excellent run by Ryan O’Donoghue Kellher on the right wing set up the opportunity. There were some powerful carries and excellent passing and hands sent Jamie O’Leary through for the first try of the season.

Kanturk, with former ‘Well captain Mike Murphy as part of their coaching staff weren’t deterred. They played with abandon and have added to their team who enjoyed a successful campaign. They played at a quick pace and maintained momentum that allowed Brian O’Sullivan go over to half the arrears for them.

Evan O’Connell led the team; with excellent scrummaging, big hits in both attack and defence and his efforts were rewarded with a try that stretched the lead to 17-5 after Logan added the extra. Kanturk struck just before the break. Their line-out gave them excellent primary possession and excellent retention saw O’Sullivan touch down, with Kajust Goberis’s kick making it 17-12 to the visitors at the break.

Both teams unloaded their benches around half-time. Kanturk’s Stanley Magwenzi was probably one of the standouts while Alex Land and Gary O’Sullivan were among those who caught the eye for the ‘Well.

It was a tight opening but a strong carry by Magwenzi set up a try for Conor O’Sullivan that Kajust converted, giving Kanturk the lead for the first time on the hour mark.

The game burst into life with a great to and fro battle. Logan restored the advantage with an excellent pinpoint long-range penalty before Magwenzi forced his way over for the North Cork club, with Jack McCarthy’s conversion putting the hosts 26-20 in front.

The ‘Well remain composed. They produced some magnificent driving mauls and maintained the pressure; recycling the ball and cutting some holes in the Kanturk defence. Eventually; their efforts were rewarded with Alex Lane making the crucial burst that made it a one point game. Logan; must have had ice running through his veins as he coolly slotted the ball through the middle of the uprights to secure the win; as the ‘Well held off a late Kanturk onslaught.

A good win; that carries the momentum from the end of last season.

Kanturk: Sean O’Brien; Brian O’Sullivan, Brian O’Sullivan, Jovan Bradley, Kajus Goberts; Stephen McAuliffe, James Moylan; Robert Forest, Tadgh McSweeney, Con O’Brien; David O’Sullivan, Barry Sherlock; Jack O’Riordan, Dylan Moynihan, Conor O’Sullivan.

Replacements: Kieran O’Sullivan, Joshua Drunm, Stanley Magwenzi, Eoin O’Sullivan, Dylan O’Connor, Jack McCarthy, Matthew Hooton. 

Sunday’s Well: Gary Downey; Ryan O’Donoghue-Kelleher, Logan Henry, Jamie O’Leary, Alex Guerin; Fabien Loughrey, Peter Arigho; Evan O’Connell, Rob O’Keeffe, Michael McCarthy; John Costello, Kevin Holland; Shane Desmond, Finn MacFhlannchadha, Shane O’Neill.

Replacements: Eoin Carmody, Gary O’Sullivan, Reece Mintern, Mark Kelly, Eric Kingston, Robert Egar, Alex Lane.

The ‘Well will now face a strong Bandon side who have been in the upper echelons of the junior ranks in recent seasons. They enjoyed a convincing 46-5 victory over Charleville and will provide another stern test at Musgrave Park next weekend. Elsewhere; holders Mallow were knocked out in a narrow home loss to Muskerry. The Innisccara based club will await the winners of the West Cork derby between Clonakilty and Skibbereen.