Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Cups

Christian Brothers College booked a Junior Cup semi final spot after defeating Presentation Brothers College 22-10 at Musgrave Park on Wednesday

AVONMORE MILK MUNSTER SCHOOLS JUNIOR CUP

QUARTER FINALS- THIRD ROUND

Presentation Brothers College 10-22 Christian Brothers College

Christian Brothers College captured the last Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup semi final place with a 22-10 victory over local rivals Presentation Brothers at Musgrave Park. With their Senior side on the losing end to PBC in the Senior Cup on Sunday last, CBC were determined not to make it two out of two in one week. The promise of two wins in a week ensured PBC had plenty of motivation coming into this game, which only added to the drama. The win ensures CBC will meet Rockwell College on Wednesday next in Clonmel in the semi final.

From the kick off, PBC enjoyed territorial advantage, keeping CBC on the back foot for the opening period. A CBC knock in five metres from their line gave PBC their first score, as an opportunistic Kevin O Byrne crashed over the line when advantage was played. Out half Kevin Kidney converted, to put PBC 7-0 ahead after ten minutes. Seven minutes later, Kidney slotted over a penalty to stretch PBC s lead. After 19 minutes of play it was CBC s turn to make some inroads into the scoreline, with a try from prop Evan O Sullivan. After 25 minutes, CBC added another try to level the score, with hooker Mark Carroll crossing the line after a well won lineout by outstanding second row Brian Hayes. CBC took the lead just before half time with an outstanding try from flanker Ronan Barry who showed devastating speed in a 40 yard run to score under the posts. CBC led at half time 15-10.

Much of the second half was played in the middle of field, signaling what was a ferocious battle at the breakdown between the two sides. After 49 minutes CBC added to their tally with a try from second row Brian Hayes, converted by outhalf Joe Holland. There were to be no more scores in this battle, despite some excellent work by PBC to come back into this game. PBC No. 8 and captain John McCarthy led from the front, and made some excellent runs, while fullback Cian Griffin always looked dangerous in attack. For CBC, second row Brian Hayes is a tower of strength and agility, demonstrating a fantastic work rate and having a big influence on the game. Centre Darragh Dunne also had a tremendous game, while flanker Ronan Barry put in a great performance.

Next up for Christian Brothers College is a semi final clash with Rockwell College on Wednesday next at Clonmel RFC. On Tuesday, St. Munchin s College will play Crescent College Comprehensive in the other semi final.

Presentation Brothers College

15. Cian Griffin, 14. Shane Bruton, 13. Brian Carroll, 12. Paddy O Connell, 11. Cian Bohane, 10. Kevin Kidney, 9. Olan Kelleher, 1. Ian Mularkey, 2. Kevin O Byrne, 3. James O Sullivan, 4. Roy O Callaghan, 5. David O Mahony, 6. Greg Darmody, 7. Conal Murphy, 8. John McCarthy (Captain)

Replacements: Stephen Jordan for Brian Carroll (34), Peter Lucey for David O Mahony (38), Dan Twomey for Ian Mularkey (47), Ronan Barry for Kelleher (48), Niall Dolan for McCarthy (65)

Christian Brothers College:

15. Alex Daly, 14. Graham Mackessy, 13. Darragh Dunne, 12. Bryan O Leary, 11. Thomas Harrington, 10. Joe Holland, 9. Brian Slater (Captain), 1. Evan O Sullivan, 2. Mark Carroll, 3. Damien Attridge, 4. Brian Hayes, 5. Ian O Gorman, 6. Derry Nagle, 7. Ronan Barry, 8. Willie Ryan.

Replacements: Cillian O Mahony for Ronan Barry (45), Jack Moloney for Slater (51), Emmett Doyle for Attridge (63), Eoin O Donnell for Mackessy (65), Darren Bowles for Harrington (68), Michael Meehan for Carroll (72)

Referee: Dave O Flynn (MAR)

AVONMORE MILK MUNSTER SCHOOLS JUNIOR CUP

Quarter Finals

First Round

1. Thursday 2/2/06: Castletroy College 3-14 St. Munchin s College
2. Tuesday 7/2/06: Glenstal Abbey 10-29 CBC
3. Wednesday 1/2/06: Rockwell College 15-14 PBC
4. Wednesday 1/2/06: Crescent College Comprehensive 25-10 Ard Scoil Ris

Second Round- All games at 3pm and all with extra time (2 x 5 minutes)

1. Thursday 23/2/06: Castletroy College 15-12 Glenstal Abbey School
2. Wednesday 22/2/06: Presentation Brothers College 62-0 Ard Scoil Ris
3. Thursday 23/2/06: St. Munchin s College 6-0 Christian Brothers College
4. Wednesday 22/2/06: Rockwell College 8-3 Crescent College Comprehensive

Third Round- All games at 3pm and all with extra time (2 x 5 minutes)

1. Tuesday 7/3/06: Castletroy College 3-10 Crescent College Comprehensive, Thomond Park
2. Wednesday 8/3/06: Presentation Brothers College 10-22 Christian Brothers College

Semi Finals

1. Tuesday 14/3/06: St. Munchin s College v. Crescent College Comprehesive.
2. Wednesday 15/3/06: Rockwell College v CBC, Clonmel RFC, 3pm.

Winners Games G and H are at home.

FINAL

Wednesday 29^th March 2006

Castletroy College 3-10 Crescent College Comprehensive

Crescent College Comprehensive booked their place in the semi final of this year s Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup with a hard fought 10-3 win over Castletroy College in Thomond Park.

With poor weather conditions severely hampering any attempts by both teams to play a running game, the game was a low scoring affair, with the greasy conditions affecting handling and ensuring a large number of scrums throughout the game. Castletroy put the first points on the board 20 minutes into the match, with a penalty kicked by scrum half Peter Murray, who went on to shine for Castletroy throughout the game. Neither side were able to make any inroads into the score line for the remainder of the half, with the next score coming five minutes after the restart. Winger Ian McGarry crossed the line in the corner after some excellent rucking phases from the Crescent College Comprehensive pack. With no clear scoring opportunities in the second half for either side, Crescent sealed their victory with a try from centre Dara O Doherty five minutes into injury time. It was a hard fought win for Crescent College, with notable performances from prop Jack Flannery, flanker Ivan Sherlock and scrum half Aran Healy. For Castletroy, it s the end of the road for their Junior Cup campaign this season, having already lost two out three of their quarter final games. However, credit must go to scrum half Peter Murray who out in a terrific performance as well as second row Paul Dooley and prop Ciaran O Hanlon.

Crescent College Comprehensive must now face St. Munchin s College in the semi final on Tuesday, March 14^th next. Having defeated the title holders Ard Scoil Ris in the first round of quarter finals, and losing to Rockwell College 8-3 in the second round, Crescent will be confident of being match fit and ready for the challenge.

The last semi final place will be decided on Wednesday when Christian Brothers College and Presentation Brothers College lock horns at Musgrave Park. CBC will look towards players such as second row Brian Hayes and No. 8 Willie Ryan to lead them through, having defeated Glenstal Abbey 29-10 in the first round and succumbing to St. Munchin s College 6-0 in the second round. For PBC, the half back pairing of Olan Kelleher and Kevin Kidney will certainly have a big influence on this game, with flanker Gregg Darmody also having a terrific season. PBC were narrowly defeated 15-14 away to Rockwell College in the first round, but made amends with a rampaging 10 try, 62-0 performance against Ard Scoil Ris in the second round.

Castletroy College

15. Darren Moroney, 14. Hugh Conlon, 13. Kieran Clancy, 12. Darragh Bonfil, 11. Stephen Murphy, 10. Alan Barry, 9. Peter Murray, 1. Ciaran O Hanlon, 2. Eoin O Flynn, 3. Darragh O Malley, 4. Paul Dooley, 5. David Quinlan, 6. Sean Nicholas, 7. Mark Foley, 8. Darragh Hannon

Replacements:

Mike Cunningham for O Flynn (50), Hugh Moran for O Malley (54), Graham Hayes for Dooley (60)

Crescent College Comprehensive

15. Eoin O Toole, 14. Ian McGarry, 13. Dara O Doherty, 12. Nicholas O Keeffe, 11. Andrew McDonnell, 10. Garreth Quinn McDonagh, 9. Aran Healy, 1. Cathal O Connor, 2. Peter Power, 3. Jack Flannery, 4. Kevin O Shea, 5. Thomas Wall, 6. Ivan Sherlock, 7. Gavin Fleming, 8. Brian Downey

Replacements: Jack Bourke for O Shea (55)

AVONMORE MILK MUNSTER SCHOOLS SENIOR CUP SEMI FINALS

Presentation Brothers College 17-11 Christian Brothers College

Presentation Brothers College claimed local bragging rights with a 17-11 win over Christian Brothers College at Musgrave Park on Sunday, with the victory ensuring they will defend their title in this year s Avonmore Milk Munster School Senior Cup final against St. Munchin s College. Over the years, these two Cork sides have become synonymous with this competition, and this encounter lived up to all expectations as the two well matched sides battled hard for victory in a close but highly entertaining game in front of an appreciative crowd.

This semi final was a repeat of last year s final, with CBC coming into this game hoping to avenge their defeat last year. However, a gritty PBC side proved they were not prepared to give up their campaign just yet. CBC got the better start, finding themselves well inside the PBC half just minutes into the game. A daring 30 yard run from CBC centre Derek Houlihan gave a taste of things to come, as PBC were forced to contend with pressure on their line very early on. When PBC did cross into the CBC half, they were quick to take their chances, and full back Jeff Power put the first points on the board seven minutes into the game with a well taken penalty, despite facing into a strong sun. Despite CBC having territorial advantage and possession, a solid PBC defence soaked up the early pressure. PBC s Jeff Power stretched his side s lead with another penalty after 20 minutes. Again, CBC responded immediately, bringing play within 5 metres of the PBC line, however, winger Sean McCarthy was deemed in touch just before he crossed the line, giving PBC something of a let off. On the half hour mark, CBC centre Derek Houlihan made another 30 yard break, bringing play within the PBC 22. CBC piled on the pressure and eventually forced the error, earning a penalty in front of the posts which out half Stuart Lee converted. Not to be outdone, PBC captain Brian Dennehy crossed the line in injury time, giving his side an 11-3 lead. As the seconds counted down to complete the first half, Stuart Lee slotted over another penalty, leaving the score 11-6 at half time, with PBC leading.

Four minutes into the second half, Stuart Lee was unable to convert a penalty attempt for CBC, but seven minutes later, Power was on target with another penalty attempt for PBC, stretching their lead to 14-6. However, such was the nature of the game that CBC kept PBC on their toes throughout. Just two minutes after Power s penalty, CBC hooker Wayne Falvey crossed the line in a well worked try to bring them within a score of PBC. Power afforded PBC some relief with a penalty after 55 minutes, but CBC continued to mount wave after wave of attack. With Power missing a penalty kick after 66 minutes, CBC threw everything at the title holders in the closing minutes. With CBC stealing a lineout and bringing play within metres of the PBC line in the dying moments, PBC were forced to dig deep and their defence was superb, thwarting any attempts to break through. After 11 minutes of injury time in the second half, PBC finally claimed the victory. However, great credit has to go to a determined CBC who never let the game get away from them. Best for CBC included scrum half Dermot Collins who was a constant threat, centres Derek Houlihan and Eoin French and stellar performances from second row Stephen Holland and captain and No. 8 Kieran Essex. It was a great all round team performance from PBC, who took their chances and defended solidly. In Jeff Power, PBC have found a supremely capable and controlled kicker, while the front row of Andrew O Driscoll, Niall McCarthy and Matt Kearney led from the front. Presentation Brothers College will face St. Munchin s College in this year s final in Limerick in what promises to be a crunching clash. Buoyed by this win, and coming on the back of a tough game with Glenstal Abbey in the semi final, PBC will be aiming to bring the title back to Cork for another year.

Presentation Brothers College:

15. Jeff Power, 14. Brian Derham, 13. Brian Dennehy (captain), 12. Tim Kenneally, 11. Keith Buckley, 10. Scott Deasy, 9. Shane Costigan, 1. Niall McCarthy, 2. Andrew O Driscoll, 3. Matt Kearney, 4. Mike Kenefick, 5. Richard McCarthy, 6. Niall Barry, 7. Rory Love, 8. Robbie Allen

Replacements: (not used) 16. Chris O Donovan, 17. Ronan Corkery, 18. Peter O Mahony, 19. Brian O Hara, 20. Philip Hogan, 22. Peter O Connell, 21. Theo Cullinane

Christian Brothers College:

15. Chris Nolan, 14. Sean McCarthy, 13. Ivan Dineen, 12. Derek Houlihan, 11. Eoin French, 10. Stuart Lee, 9. Dermot Colllins, 1. John Ryan, 2. Wayne Falvey, 3. Stephen Archer, 4. Peter Murphy, 5. Stephen Holland, 6. Shane O Sullivan, 7. John Noonan, 8. Kieran Essex (Captain)

Replacements:

Tom Keogh for Murphy (44), Finnian Tummon for Lee (68), Ian McCarthy for Collins (68), Robbie O Donoghue for Holland (74)

Referee: Seamus Flannery (MAR)

Crescent College Comprehensive 9-10 St. Munchin s College

Having secured their place in the semi final with a one point win in the quarter final against Ard Scoil Ris, Crescent College Comprehensive found themselves on the losing end of a similar result at Thomond Park on Wednesday when St. Munchin s College 10-9 victory ended Crescent s Cup hopes for this year. The win has given St. Munchin s College a chance to regain the title they last won in 2004 when they compete in the 2005/6 Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Senior Cup final on St. Patrick s Day.

St. Munchin s College had their first opportunity to put points on the board after an 8^th minute penalty from Keith Earls, however, with the kick missing its target, Earls made amends four minutes later with a superb try from a 30 yard sprint after some excellent work between Earls and his centre partner Eamonn Broderick. Converted by out half Richard Mullane, St. Munchin s College took a 7-0 lead. On the 16^th minute, Crescent s outhalf Andrew Burke claimed his side s first score with a penalty, and while his side enjoyed most of the possession in the first half, they were unable to convert the advantage to scores, with St. Munchin s taking their 7-3 lead to the break.

Burke claimed his second penalty six minutes into the second half, but St. Munchin s responded a minute later with a superb drop goal from an under pressure Richard Mullane, showing sheer class with the boot. With St. Munchin s leading 10-6, Crescent fought hard for the last quarter of the game, with St. Munchin s defence tested on a number of occasions. Andrew Burke added another penalty after 25 minutes to close the gap, and while Crescent threw everything at St. Munchin s they were unable to take the lead. Crescent s talented full back Sean Scanlon did manage to cross the line but a knock on denied Crescent the score. St. Munchin s College held out to claim a 10-9 victory and booked their place in the final on St. Patrick s Day. Keith Earls at centre had a huge influence on the game, with his centre partner Eamonn Broderick always dangerous and showing tremendous strength with the ball in hand. Its always difficult for the losing side, especially given the close score, however, Crescent College Comprehensive will take some satisfaction in the knowledge that many of this year s team will also be eligible to play in the Munster Schools Senior Cup next year. Particularly impressive for Crescent College Comprehensive were captain Ronan O Sullivan playing at centre, Sean Scanlon, winger Mark Doyle, with flankers Ruairi Herbert and Owen Ryan also putting in tremendous performances.

ST. MUNCHIN S COLLEGE:

15. James O Dwyer, 14. Jason Organ, 13. Keith Earls, 12. Eamonn Broderick, 11. Gareth O Hanlon, 10. Richard Mullane, 9. Paul Rowley, 1. David Hogan, 2. Gerard Slattery, 3. Tom Burke, 4. Conor McNamara, 5. John Griffin, 6. Liam Og Murphy, 7. James O Neill, 8. Shane Hassett.

Replacements: Michael Kelleher for Gareth O Hanlon (65)

CRESCENT COLLEGE COMPREHENSIVE:

15. Sean Scanlon, 14. Mark Doyle, 13. Eoin Breen, 12. Ronan O’ Sullivan capt, 11. Danny O’ Brien, 10. Andrew Burke, 9. Diarmuid Upton, 1. Eric Moylan, 2. Jack Corrigan, 3. Stephen Henniger, 4. Ken Hanley, 5. Aaron McCloskey, 6. Eoin Ryan, 7. Ruairi Herbert, 8. Darren Mulcair.

Replacements: Kieran Finlayson for Hennigar (ht)

FIXTURES/RESULTS

AVONMORE MILK MUNSTER SCHOOLS SENIOR CUP

Quarter Finals

Wednesday 8th February: Presentation Brothers College 25-19 Glenstal Abbey School

Wednesday 8th February: Crescent College Comprehensive 11-10 Ard Scoil Ris

Thursday 9th February: Midleton College 0-29 Christian Brothers College

Sunday 12th February: St. Munchin s College 25-5 Rockwell College

Semi Finals

Wednesday 1^st March: Crescent College Comprehensive 9-10 St. Munchin s College

Sunday 5^th March: Presentation Brothers College 17-11 Christian Brothers College

Final

Friday 17^th March 2006