INNISHANNON man Jack Crowley scored the opening try in Ireland’s 41-10 victory over Japan at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday.
The Bandon RFC graduate touched down after good build-up play to give Ireland a 10-0 lead after 20 minutes. Crowley added two conversions and a penalty to his tally, but it was far from a convincing Irish display as they led 17-10 at the break.
It was a comfortable win in the end as Ireland scored four second-half tries and Crowley will be happy with his day’s work.
Next up is a clash against Australia this Saturday (8.10pm) at the Aviva as Andy Farrell’s side hope to keep the winning feeling going.
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Locally, in the Munster Junior League Division 1, Clonakilty won their fourth game of the season with a 21-16 victory over Thurles.
The Brewery Town are on 20 points, joint-second with Mallow and just one point off league leaders Kilfeakle.
Ciaran McCarthy, Matt Foster and Tobi Oliver all crossed the whitewash while Niall Barrett converted two penalties. The result puts the West Cork club level on points with Mallow in second place after
a brilliant start.
Bandon, meanwhile, were on the receiving end of a 24-18 loss to Kanturk, keeping them in seventh place.
Despite two tries from Gearoid O’Leary, a touchdown by Harry Hall and a Dylan Barr penalty, a fantastic Eanna O’Mahony display was key for the North Cork club in gaining the spoils.
In Division 2, Kinsale are back on the winning trail after a 34-15 win over Fethard, their fourth win in five games. A hat trick of tries from David Looney was key for the victors as Evan Lehane, Erhan Farley and Dan Graham crossed the line too. Robin O’Flynn kicked two conversions to add the extras as they sit third, five points off leaders Waterpark.