Abbeyfeale vs Blackheath 1961
ABBEYFEALE……………………….. 17 pts
BLACKHEATH………………………. 12 pts
The London side Blackheath, who defeated Old Crescent and Tralee over the week-end, could not match the skill and enthusiasm of the home side when they played in Abbeyfeale on Sunday, and were deservedly beaten in a most entertaining game.
Abbeyfeale had four guest players- Jim Kiernan (Dolphin)-Vince Giltinane (Dolphin)-Ronnie Moore (Dolphin)-and “Moss†Mullins (U.C.C.). They led by 12 – 6 at the interval, Blackheath got on terms after the resumption, but a great Try by full-back Cyril Hobbs, converted by towering second-row Jim Leahy, clinched the issue late in the game.
The winners who are to meet the winners of the Old Crescent – Shannon match in the semi-final of the Munster Junior Cup, must be very pleased with this win. Their forwards showed greatly improved form, and the three-quarters were kept on the move thanks to a sound half-back play by Kiernan and Mullins(Scrum).Blackheath, who have a very fine record in London competitions played attractively all through, but this time met their masters.
For Abbeyfeale Cyril Hobbs,Ronnie Moore, J.Kieran C.McMahon and M.Mullins (Backs) shone and forwards to count were Bernard Broderick,Jim Leahy,Dan O’Connell and Vinny Giltenene, Kieran had a sparkling first half during which he dropped a goal and scored a tr, Jim Leahy kicked two penalties and Greg Kelly and Bob Peacocke replied with a try each for Blackheath, in the second half a penalty by McAircy and a try by Davies had the visitors on terms nearing the end.
Abbeyfeale stormed back to the attack and Cyril Hobbs flashed over following an attempted clearance to touch-down and leave Leahy to add the extra points.
The visitors who expressed themselves thoroughly pleased with the lavish manner in which they were entertained were guests of Dr. G. O’Mahony (President of the local club) and Mrs O’Mahony at a dinner and (“Irishâ€) party held in their residence after the game.