Colleges Rugby

LIT advance to the final of the All-Ireland Colleges Ascent Cup after defeating WIT

LIT ADVANCE TO FINAL

Limerick Institute of Technology 8 Waterford Institute of Technology 0

(Niall Keogh Try, Willie Staunton dg)

Played Thursday in Waterford RFC, LIT overcame WIT in the All-Ireland Colleges Ascent Cup semi-final. The weather was more suited to mid-December, with a strong gale and heavy showers, than mid-April but nonetheless both teams played expansive rugby.

WIT, playing with the elements, nearly got off to the perfect start when full-back Gary Conway almost got over in the corner but an excellent cover tackle from LIT wing Gerry The RAT Martin saved the day.

Mid-way through the first-half, LIT stepped up a gear. Willie Staunton made an excellent break up the middle, offloaded to Stephen Carey who was caught just short of the line (despite having a 15 yards head start). LIT make the breakthrough shortly after when, from a lineout on the 22, they drove over the line, with Niall Keogh with the vital touchdown.

LIT make the perfect start to the second-half when Willie Staunton dropped an opportunist goal from 40 yards. LIT s backrow of Dave Sheehan, Phil O Connor and Brendan Guilfoyle were very prominent throughout. WIT number 8 John Phelan also caught the eye.

LIT, through Thomas Cronin and Pat O Connor (whose brother Cian lined out at no.6 for WIT), had other chances to secure the game but excellent defence from WIT kept the game their chances alive.

Man of the Match, centre Paul Dillion, pulled for a number of vital tackles as WIT pushed hard but LIT defence held firm. They now go on to play the winners of Cork IT and Athlone IT in two weeks time.

Donal Duggan