Kilkenny RFC’s firsts maintained their impressive home form at the start of the new season with victory over Edenderry in the Leinster league on a bright, sunny autumn day in Foulkstown.
On the back of last week’s superb display against Wexford, Kilkenny won an uncompromising encounter 20-9 on Sunday, despite Edenderry proving to be tough adversaries.
In the end it was the hosts’ accuracy that proved the difference as they outscored their opponents two tries to nil and backed it up with some strong defence to snuff out the impressive Edenderry forward play.
Kilkenny’s first try came from winger Killian Everard in the 25th minute after good work from fullback Conor Brady, while Brady himself finished a smart backs move to touchdown between the posts.
Outhalf Barry Daly added a penalty and a conversion before retiring injured while replacement Conor O’Brien tacked on a further conversion and a late penalty to seal the win. Scrum-half Victor Harper put in a man of the match performance with some tenacious defensive work.
It was a crucial victory with Kilkenny fully aware that success at home is all important in a competitive league, with the goal to steal as many away points as possible.
The Kilkenny firsts currently sit second in the league behind leaders Clondalkin, the only team with a 100 percent record. Kilkenny play away to Clane next Sunday, October 10, with a 3pm kick-off.
Seconds too good for opposition
The Kilkenny second XV strengthened their position at the top of the J2 Leinster league with a powerful 49-13 victory over Edenderry in Foulkstown.
Easily the better team on the day, Kilkenny ran in eight tries to secure a vital bonus point despite their opponents causing the home team some anxious moments throughout.
Eighth man Conor Bass finished with a hat-trick after working tirelessly throughout with the ball in hand, and good forward work on the day provided plenty of quick ball for the Kilkenny backline. Martin Brien grabbed a brace of tries while James McGregor, Joubert Debertia and Quentin Hearne finished with one apiece.
Kilkenny seconds are away to Clane next Sunday with a 1.30pm kick-off.
