Thriller on “The Hill”
Thurles Second XV qualified for the Evan‘s Cup Final after an extra time win over Kilfeacle. Shay Scanlon’s charges were well up for this match as they had been playing second fiddle to Kilfeacle in previous encounters. With some eligible players held back for first team duties, Scanlon and Kelly rounded up every available body luckily for this winer takes all clash. Danny Dlami was returning after injury to bolster the Forward Pack unlucky for Danny. He lasted five minutes and was replaced by Richie “the knee” Houlihan who put in an honest shift in the front row. Thurles hit the ground running and were in complete control with veteran scrum half Oliver Delaney having made the journey from Dublin to play. Well done Ollie
With Joe Dwan and Stephen Shaw in good form, Thurles had Kilfeacle on the back foot, Dwan scooted over for a sweet try which he also converted. The ever present Brian O’Connell broke through midfield to score a fine individual effort under the posts. Sean Lloyd scored a great individual effort leaving defenders in his way as he waltzed over the line. Kieran O Hagan converted. At this stage all was going tickety-boo
The forwards led by Ryan and Stanley were in control with hard-working second rows Conor “the church” Ryan and Andrew Bourke both prominent on all stages. The inimitable Brandon Meaney and Ciaran Spuddy Murphy ticked all the boxes upfront in front row play. A final flourish before halftime, saw Kilfeacle score an unconverted try of their own
The second half was a different story when Kilfeacle as expected, did not lie down. Two early scores put them back in the game, but again, Thurles rallied and replied with a Kieran Murphy try. Kilfeacle were still on the warpath and again they scored getting too close for comfort. Another touchdown and conversion brought them within three points. Surely after all the fine play, Thurles would not be denied. The ever-reliable fullback Tommy Connoly held firm at the back with one try saving tackle. As the clock ticked towards 80 minutes, Kilfeacle closed the gap with a well taken drop goal. The sides were levelled and a draw meant extra time as needed to separate the sides.
After manager Shay Scanlon‘s dynamic pre-extra time speech, the Thurles players started the extra time with great heart and suddenly, they were a better team. They pummelled the Kilfeacle line and Joe Dwan took his opportunity when offered which O Hagan converted. This was a scrap with both sides hammering into each but Thurles held tough and when character and heart were needed, both were supplied. The Thurles supporters and followers were raising the decimals as the final whistle approached, not an easy thing to do on “The Hill”.
Final Whistle, win, with the final on the horizon, Scanlon’s Men march on to what should have been another battle with Fethard RFC. Why Fethard elected not to play, we are not sure, but they decided not to field a team, and the Evan’s Final fixed for Loughtagalla last Saturday evening, was awarded to a Thurles Seconds team that have gone from strength to strength this season under Scanlon,
Next up for the Seconds, is a Webb Cup Quarter Final at home to Thomond RFC on Saturday. Best of luck to all involved
Thurles Second XV qualified for the Evan‘s Cup Final after an extra time win over Kilfeacle. Shay Scanlon’s charges were well up for this match as they had been playing second fiddle to Kilfeacle in previous encounters. With some eligible players held back for first team duties, Scanlon and Kelly rounded up every available body luckily for this winer takes all clash. Danny Dlami was returning after injury to bolster the Forward Pack unlucky for Danny. He lasted five minutes and was replaced by Richie “the knee” Houlihan who put in an honest shift in the front row. Thurles hit the ground running and were in complete control with veteran scrum half Oliver Delaney having made the journey from Dublin to play. Well done Ollie
With Joe Dwan and Stephen Shaw in good form, Thurles had Kilfeacle on the back foot, Dwan scooted over for a sweet try which he also converted. The ever present Brian O’Connell broke through midfield to score a fine individual effort under the posts. Sean Lloyd scored a great individual effort leaving defenders in his way as he waltzed over the line. Kieran O Hagan converted. At this stage all was going tickety-boo
The forwards led by Ryan and Stanley were in control with hard-working second rows Conor “the church” Ryan and Andrew Bourke both prominent on all stages. The inimitable Brandon Meaney and Ciaran Spuddy Murphy ticked all the boxes upfront in front row play. A final flourish before halftime, saw Kilfeacle score an unconverted try of their own
The second half was a different story when Kilfeacle as expected, did not lie down. Two early scores put them back in the game, but again, Thurles rallied and replied with a Kieran Murphy try. Kilfeacle were still on the warpath and again they scored getting too close for comfort. Another touchdown and conversion brought them within three points. Surely after all the fine play, Thurles would not be denied. The ever-reliable fullback Tommy Connoly held firm at the back with one try saving tackle. As the clock ticked towards 80 minutes, Kilfeacle closed the gap with a well taken drop goal. The sides were levelled and a draw meant extra time as needed to separate the sides.
After manager Shay Scanlon‘s dynamic pre-extra time speech, the Thurles players started the extra time with great heart and suddenly, they were a better team. They pummelled the Kilfeacle line and Joe Dwan took his opportunity when offered which O Hagan converted. This was a scrap with both sides hammering into each but Thurles held tough and when character and heart were needed, both were supplied. The Thurles supporters and followers were raising the decimals as the final whistle approached, not an easy thing to do on “The Hill”.
Final Whistle, win, with the final on the horizon, Scanlon’s Men march on to what should have been another battle with Fethard RFC. Why Fethard elected not to play, we are not sure, but they decided not to field a team, and the Evan’s Final fixed for Loughtagalla last Saturday evening, was awarded to a Thurles Seconds team that have gone from strength to strength this season under Scanlon,
Next up for the Seconds, is a Webb Cup Quarter Final at home to Thomond RFC on Saturday. Best of luck to all involved
