Kilkenny 13 Dundalk 18
Kilkenny have nobody only themselves to blame for losing this Provincial Towns Cup game on Foulkstown last Saturday afternoon. With home advantage and with the wind behind them in the first half they were only slightly ahead 13-10 at the interval.
Despite a one - delay you would imagine the late kick-off would be a disadvantage but the opposite would be the case for Dundalk. They scored a very good converted try after five minutes with the ball being moved sweetly along the line, and ineffective tackling from Kilkenny.
The home side did reduce the deficit with two Barry Daly penalties in the 11th and 15th minutes before Dundalk hit back with a penalty in the 20th minute to leave the score line 10-6.
With half time approaching Kilkenny were awarded a penalty but Barry Daly’s kick hit the post and came back into play. The forwards reacted quickly and retrieved possession driving over the line. The referee was perfectly positioned to see Nigel Daly touch down for the try and when his brother Barry tapped over the conversion, Kilkenny were ahead 13-10.
Kilkenny started the second half with more determination but gave away a penalty after six minutes and the sides were level. We now had a game on and with possession being the important factor. Both sides made mistakes but defences kept their nerves.
Then in the 18th minute Kilkenny were awarded a penalty well inside the Dundalk side and they seized the opportunity, but indiscipline by a Kilkenny player saw the penalty reversed. Dundalk seized the opportunity and attacked down the left hand side before eventually scoring a try in the corner.
Kilkenny did have a number or opportunities to get back into the game but the defence stood firm.
TEAM: Paul O’ Flynn, Stephen Hayes, Vinnie Ohea, Connor O’ Brien, Tom Ryan, Tom Massey, Barry Daly, Nigel Daly, David Buckley, Eddie Brennan, Johnny Corr, Gerry Clark, Ray Carter, David Matthews, Ger Costello, Mick Hannigan, Brendan McIntyre, Rory O’ Brien, Aidan Boland, John Madden. Manager: Ray Pembroke.
