Kilkenny make winning start to Leinster League

Kilkenny began life in Division 1B of the Leinster League with a narrow home victory over Cill Dara at Foulkstown last Sunday afternoon.

The home side finished up with three tries and while they’ll be disappointed not to get the bonus point, they’ll be happy to make a winning start to the season.

After suffering relegation from the top division earlier this year, the 2022 Towns Cup winners will be out to make a mark.

It was a scrappy opening to the game before Cill Dara got the first points on the board via a penalty after 20 minutes.

A minute later and Kilkenny were celebrating however as Gary Dunne touched down for the hosts first try of the season from a well formed maul.

Hugh Corkery made no mistake in nailing the conversion.

Kilkenny then began to dominate the contest with a penalty try and a further five pointer from Corkery ensuring the Noresiders took complete control of the game.

Cill Dara got a try back before the break as Kilkenny led 21-10.

The opening fixture was played in appalling conditions so free flowing rugby was few and far between and although Cill Dara got a second try, Kilkenny held on to claim the four points.

Kilkenny Team: 1. Brian Howe, 2. Ben Devlin (vc), 3. Rob Kelly, 4. Jake Caldbeck, 5. Tadhg Butler, 6. Liam McWey, 7. Garry Dunne (c), 8. David O’Connor, 9. Isaac Daly, 10. Steve Atkinson, 11. Lyndon Brannigan, 12. Hugh Corkery, 13. Joe Manuel, 14. Ned Devlin, 15. Willie Seale.

Replacements: 16. Donal Kealy, 17. Conan Dunne, 18. Daniel O’Connor, 19. Jonny Young, 20. Rob Boyd.