Killarney RFC 12 Tralee RFC 15 (23rd September 2018)
We opened our league account with a 12-15 loss to local rivals Tralee. The weather was good for rugby - bright and sunny with a breeze blowing across the field which offered no significant advantage to either team.
Tralee had the best of the opening proceedings but Killarney struck for the first try after 15 minutes. A quickfire counter attack was held up short and from the resulting 5-metre scrum we pushed Tralee backwards. Conversion was missed leaving us 5-0 to the good. Tralee again kept Killarney under pressure. A second penalty miss by Tralee left our lead intact, but approaching the whistle for half-time they got on the scoreboard with another penalty. Half-time score: Killarney 5 Tralee 3.
Tralee again started the half better. Another penalty miss by Tralee early in the second half left meant we remained ahead but sustained pressure led to Tralee scoring their first try 10 minutes in. The conversion was good leaving Tralee ahead by 10pts to 5. Seven minutes later Tralee went over again after a yellow card for persistent infringements left us down to 14. A missed conversion left us behind by 15pts to 5.
At this point, Killarney came back into the game and with 12 minutes left we broke through to score our second try. Successfully converted it left the score at Killarney 12 Tralee 15. We dominated the remainder of the match - with Tralee also getting a yellow card for giving away a series of penalties - but despite sustained pressure we were unable to make the breakthrough that would have seen us steal the match.
A special thanks to everyone who helped out on the day, we had a bumper crowd at Aghadoe. Thanks to Lachlan and Naoise our mascots, to our ballboys and everyone who put their shoulder to the wheel to make the first home tie of the season a great event.
Final score: Killarney 12 Tralee 15.
Next Game:
Sunday 7th October: Dunmanway RF C vs Killarney RFC (away) . Kick-off 2.30pm
Tralee Captain Micheal Maher, Killarney Captain Peter Kelly and mascots Lachlan and Naoise
