Leinster League Division 1B
Kilkenny 36-24 DLSP
By Órla Henebry
On a gloriously sunny afternoon in Foulkstown, Kilkenny secured a much-needed home victory over DLSP, triumphing 36-24 in an intense and hard-fought battle. This win not only reinforced Kilkenny's recent resurgent form, but also kept their home unbeaten winning streak intact, much to the delight of the loyal supporters.
Kilkenny entered the game with a significantly altered starting team compared to previous weeks. Two under-18 players, Mark Power and Dan Ring, made their senior debuts, showcasing the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
The match kicked off with Kilkenny awarded an early penalty just three minutes in, thanks to the experienced referee Bernie White. However, out-half Jack Campion was unable to capitalize, sending the kick wide and leaving the score at 0-0.
Despite the missed opportunity, Kilkenny soon found their rhythm. Ten minutes later, full-back Axel Montgomery crossed the whitewash for the game’s first try, finishing off a well-worked attacking play. Campion added the extras, putting the Noresiders ahead 7-0.
Kilkenny appeared confident, controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game. The young debutants Power and Ring settled in seamlessly, while Kilkenny’s forwards dominated the lineouts, stealing several of DLSP’s throws in the opening 20 minutes. Scrum battles were minimal early on, with just one set-piece in the first quarter, but Kilkenny held up well against DLSP’s powerful pack.
The home side extended their lead when winger Tommy Murphy finished off a sustained attack inside DLSP’s 22, diving over for a beautifully executed try beneath the posts. Campion slotted the straightforward conversion, giving Kilkenny a comfortable 14-0 advantage.
Despite their strong start, Kilkenny’s defensive structure faltered for a critical 12-minute spell. Experienced players uncharacteristically missed routine tackles, and the absence of key defender Brian “Beano” McDonald due to injury left gaps in the defensive line. Sensing an opportunity, DLSP capitalized on the errors and ran in two tries, exploiting the lack of cohesion in Kilkenny’s defense. They also had a chance to take the lead with a penalty, but the attempt went wide, leaving the score tied at 14-14 at halftime.
There was a sense of unease among the Kilkenny faithful, but this wasn’t unfamiliar territory. The team had developed a habit of dropping their defensive intensity, though this lapse usually occurred in the final quarter rather than the second.
Kilkenny could not have asked for a better start after the break. The forwards asserted their dominance, driving DLSP backward with strong mauls and rucks. Their persistence paid off when towering second-row Jake Caldbeck muscled over the line for Kilkenny’s third try, showcasing his physicality and determination. The conversion was missed, but Kilkenny reclaimed the lead at 19-14.
DLSP, unwilling to concede defeat, responded swiftly. Breaking through Kilkenny’s defensive line, they added another converted try, momentarily taking the lead at 21-19. However, Kilkenny refused to let their momentum slip. Once again, it was Caldbeck who stepped up, proving instrumental in both the lineout and open play. His second try of the match, and Kilkenny’s fourth, secured a crucial bonus point for the home side—their first of the season. Campion’s conversion went wide, but Kilkenny edged ahead 24-21.
A tense finale ensued as DLSP had an opportunity to equalize. Kilkenny found themselves penalized for offside on two separate occasions, allowing DLSP’s out-half to slot over a penalty and level the game at 24-24.
With the pressure mounting, Kilkenny were awarded a penalty of their own. Captain Garry Dunne pointed to the posts, entrusting Campion with the kick. However, the No. 10’s inconsistency off the tee continued, as the attempt drifted wide.
Undeterred, Kilkenny pressed on, refusing to settle for a draw. Their attacking persistence was rewarded when hooker Charlie Buckley powered over for Kilkenny’s fifth try of the day. Another missed conversion left the score at 29-24, leaving supporters anxious about the crucial points being left behind.
But Kilkenny had one final statement to make. In the dying moments, veteran Joey Manuel provided the finishing touch, capitalizing on the pack’s dominance to score the team’s sixth and final try. This time, Campion found his accuracy, nailing a difficult touchline conversion to seal a comprehensive 36-24 victory.
This victory was absolutely essential for Kilkenny as they look to consolidate their position in Leinster League Division 1B. The five league points earned from this match elevate them to fifth place, just four points behind Gorey in fourth with a game in hand.
Looking ahead, Kilkenny now prepare to face Wexford Wanderers at home on Saturday, February 5th, at 3 pm. This fixture will be another pivotal moment in their campaign, as a win could secure their place in Division 1B for the next season.
With their home form holding strong and young talent stepping up to the challenge, Kilkenny’s prospects look promising as they continue their quest for league stability and potential progression. Members and supporters will be eagerly anticipating another strong performance from their team in Foulkstown next weekend.
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