Match Report

Clonakilty 19 Sunday’s Well 35

Sunday’s Well ended their League campaign with a rousing away performance against a fired up tough Clonakilty side. It was another excellent fluent display that yielded maximum points. Despite the absence of several key personnel, a lot of players have improved with increased playing style and the team structure has been particularly strong; that it is almost a shame that the season has ended here.

It was a dry day in West Cork with a strong wind and the game played on a soft pitch. It was a tight opening game with defences on top  and a lot of robust tackling. The ‘Well pack gradually imposed themselves on the game with a powerful set-piece and applying a lot of pressure at the breakdowns.

Like against Thurles; it was Finn MacFhlannchahda who made the crucial breakthrough with a powerful surging run under the posts, with Logan Henry converting. Indeed; Logan who has played multiple positions in the backline with distinction finished the game with a perfect record of 5 from 5; to round off a magnificent high-scoring season that should see him top of the scoring charts when the League fully concludes for other teams.

This score spurted the ‘Well into some excellent intricate play; that yielded another try four minutes later. Jamie O’Leary was the one who expertly finished off a free flowing move in the left corner. Clonakilty did get on the front foot for the final minutes of the half and halved the gap with a try from Conor Hayes that Eoin Downey converted.

Jamie O’Leary made a blistering start to the second-half and scored a great individual effort. He made a great kick down the line that he chased and superbly gathered the ball before it went over the dead-ball line for the try, making it 21-7 with Logan’s conversion.

The bonus point was secure within ten minutes of the second-half. Damian Kozik, who was industrious as ever made a great turnover. The ‘Well then went on to win a penalty that they kicked to the corner and a great driving maul saw Shane O’Neill touch down.

Cathal O’Regan struck back with a try for the West Cork team but Cathal Quinn effectively sealed the game on the hour mark with the ‘Well’s fifth try, before David Jennings touched down for Clon’s third.

The pack set the stall for this game; which was always going to be a tough one. Kevin Holland and James Mulcahy did a lot of dirty work with the front-row of Kieran Stokes, Adam Brown and Michael McCarthy establishing a firm platform.

Daniel Courtney was lively at scrum-half, with Logan as ever being the pivot around which many attacks evolved. Jamie O’Leary undoubtedly deserved his pair of tries while Bobby Smith also shone from full-back.

It has been a new adventure for many; and we thank all our supporters. As we knew; it wasn’t going to be easy in a very tough Division but the team has learned and grown in confidence and will look to build on this experience. With turnout at training and games throughout the season being impressive and players from the Mixed Ability and Thirds teams up being as crucial to sustaining a continued spirit and determination in the club.

Scorers: Clonakilty: Conor Hayes, Cathal O’Regan, David Jennings tries; Eoin Downey 2 cons.

Sunday’s Well: Finn MacFhlannchadha, Jamie O’Leary (2), Shane O’Neill, Cathal Quinn tries; Logan Henry 5 cons.

 Clonakilty: Sean Madden; Jim Twomey, Ben Lovell, Craig Bateman, Conor Hayes; Eoin Downey, Patrick McCarthy; William Tyner, Tom Doyle, David Jennings; Michael Deegan, Maurice Downey; Matthew McCarthy, Rory White, Cathal O’Regan. Replacements:  Christopher Walton, Ciaran McCarthy, Eoin Murphy, Luke McCarthy, Conor Murphy, Cian Downey, Rob Howick Finglas.

Sunday’s Well: Bobby Smith; Gary Downey, Logan Henry, Jamie O’Leary, Alex Lane; Harry McHenry, Daniel Courtney; Kieran Stokes, Adam Brown, Michael McCarthy; Kevin Holland, Shane O’Neill; James Mulcahy, Damian Kozik, Finn MacFhlannchadha. Replacements: Andrew Ryan-Crowley, Ian Murphy, Don Spicer, Mikey O’Connell, Robert Egar, Alex Guerin, Cathal Quinn.