Clonakilty rise to the Challenge in final test

Clonakilty 21 

Ballincollig 10

 CLONAKILTY picked up their first piece of silverware this season when they beat Ballincollig in the Challenge Shield final at Musgrave Park last week.

The West Cork men had got the better of Ballincollig in their previous meetings this season, and they had their measure once more.

Clonakilty’s aggressive start was rewarded when Rob Howick got over the line for their first try but back came Ballincollig with a try of their own to level this final, 5-5.

Ballincollig controlled the game for stretches of the first half but the Clonakilty defence shone with big hits from Andy McCarthy and Joe Lee. 

Eoghan Deasy kicked two penalties for Clon before the break as they led 11-5 at half-time.

Clon took more control of the game in the second half despite Ballincollig’s pressure. Harry Dillon and Ewan Courney were rocks in defence for Clon.

Midway through the second half, Olan Deane managed to steal a Ballincollig line-out to start a super passage of attacking play that ended with Eoghan Deasy scoring Clon’s second try.

Less than five minutes later, Josh Wilcox took the ball and made a massive run through the Ballincollig defence to score Clonakilty’s third try, putting the score at 21-5. 

Ballincollig did pull back a late try but Clon were comfortable winners by 11 points.

Clon have another chance for silverware this Thursday night in Musgrave Park when they face Kanturk in the County Cup final at 7.30pm.

Clonakilty: Josh Wilcox, Stephen Cotter, Cosmin Rosu, Donal McSweeney, Olan Deane, Batt Duggan, Moss Downey, Gerard McCarthy, Rob Howick, Eoghan Deasy, Daniel Murphy, Joe Lee, Andrew McCarthy, Ewan Courtney, Harry Dillon, Jack Ryan, Mike O’Hea, Michael Peter O’Regan, Garry Purtill, Sean Beamish.