Cumann Rugbaí Corca Dhuibhne prevail in season opener

Corca Dhuibhne 16 – Kanturk 0

A strong and focused performance by Cumann Rugbai Corca Dhuibhne saw them in the driving seat on home turf against a Kanturk side who failed to capitalise on their possession in the season opener of the South Munster Junior 2 league in Carrig, Baile na nGall last Sunday. A couple of pre-season defeats for the West Kerry side obviously paid dividends with Corca Dhuibhne displaying an organised defensive line which managed to contain several strong attacks by the Cork men throughout. The first half saw a physical Kanturk side launch several strong offensives however Corca Dhuibhne displayed organisation and poise in successive line-outs. Corca Dhuibhne Captain, Dingle man Johnny Curran (pictured above right) saw the West Kerry side take the lead with three conversions at the half time whistle leaving the half time score at 9-0. Kanturk forged a series of attacks in the opening minutes of the second half winning scrums and turning over line-outs however failed to capitalise on possession. Corca Dhuibhne remained tight in the back line, forcing successive mistakes from the Cork men whose frustration saw them lose focus. Mid-way through the second half Corca Dhuibhne Captain Johnny Curran lead by example once again, breaking through the Kanturk back-line. A sharp and speedy run by the West Kerry captain left the Kanturk men in their wake, shell shocked by the excellently executed try which Curran laid dead-centre between the posts. Curran converted bringing Corca Dhuibhne's lead to 16-0 going into the final quarter. Kanturk seemed determined to put up something on the score sheet and the dying minutes saw a late push on the Corca Dhuibhne's line which seemed destined to result in a late try. However Corca Dhuibhne's Ciarán Slattery put in some big hits and stopped what looked like a certain try for Kanturk when he covered half the pitch to take their man out. The game finished with Corca Dhuibhne recording impressive win in their first game J2 League. Overall Corca Dhuibhne's performance was understated yet effective, their speed, fitness level and use of possession giving them the upper hand against a more noticeably sluggish Kanturk side. Despite keeping a clean sheet, the West Kerry men's approach to their season opener would seem to indicate that there is a lot more to come from the Corca Dhuibhne side with a young, sharp and physically fit first fifteen. It is a good start for the season for the West Kerry man who now face the daunting prospect of facing Cork Constitution away from home in a fortnight. This entertaining and hard fought game in Carrig last Sunday will definitely encourage the West Kerry men and their coaching team in their next encounter.