Kilkenny 15
Castleknock 14
Kilkenny College made history last week, landing their first ever Leinster Senior League title after a hard-fought battle against Castleknock in Donnybrook.
It was sweet revenge for the Kilkenny school after ten years, having lost out to Castleknock in the 2001 final.
A 15-14 punch-out encounter saw a 13th minute captain’s try – as prop Shane Delahunt went over for Kilkenny to open the scoring.
Castleknock outhalf Robert Troy kicked two penalties, with Kilkenny full back Simon Williams responding in kind. The sides went into the dressing rooms at the break with the score poised at 8-6.
The Dublin side took the lead in the second half when Eoin Hanlon kicked a penalty, before team mate Eoghan Quinn snuck over for a try in the 52nd minute.
However, the day was won in the 64th minute, when Kilkenny College backrow Ross Deacon touched down under the posts to take his side to within one point of Castleknock. His placement made it easy for team mate Williams to add the two points, sealing victory for KCK.
The win is a major boost for Kilkenny College rugby, as they now have some silverware for a lot of hard effort over the past few years. It was no mean feat either, as Castleknock have some serious quality with the likes of Jack O’ Neill and Tom Farrell – two young Ireland Age-Grade internationals.
Kilkenny team: H-R Thomas; T Bulfin, S Sterling, R Bailey-Kearney, S Williams; E Kelly, D Leybourne; G Condell, R Foot, S Delahunt (capt ), J Holland-Brennan, G Mullins, H Crowley, M Triggs, R Deacon. Replacements: J Baker for Condell, J Walsh for Mullins (both 60 mins ); J Moynan for Crowley (66 mins ).
Scorers: Kilkenny College – S Delahunt, R Deacon try each; S Williams pen, con. Castleknock College – E Quinn try; R Troy 2 pens; E Hanlon pen.
