Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup Semi Finals

St. Munchin’s College claim the first final spot with a 12-7 win over Crescent College Comp. on Tuesday while Rockwell College and CBC meet on Wednesday

Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup

Semi Final

St. Munchin’s College 12-7 Crescent College Comprehensive

St. Munchin s College have started a week of crunch games with success, defeating Crescent College Comprehensive in the first semi final of the Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup on Monday. St. Munchin s College will have to wait until Wednesday to find out who their opponents in the final will be, with Rockwell College taking on Christian Brothers College in Clonmel in the second semi final.

With the score line reflecting what was a very close game, it was St. Munchin s College who got the brighter start. Just four minutes into the game Crescent s Ian McGarry made a try saving tackle under the posts on St. Munchin s winger Alan Peters, after Peters had made a 60 yard dash to the line. Shortly after St. Munchin s were denied again when full back Pat Tobin put a foot in touch just metres from the line. From the ensuing line out flanker Michael Madden stole the ball, with second row Mark Healy finishing off with a try after 17 minutes. Crescent fought back with a vengeance, pressing hard for the St. Munchin s line for the remainder of the half, but despite some good attacks, St. Munchin s defence held firm and the score remained 5-0 at the break.

St. Munchin s struck again four minutes into the second half, with Craig O Hanlon touching down after a break from inside his own half. Madden converted to stretch their lead to 12-0. The sides remained close for the remainder of the game- with both teams attempting to exert some control over the game. An outstanding 30^th minute try from Crescent College s winger Andrew McDonnell which he converted himself was the fruits of Crescent s labour, resulting in a nailbiting five minute period of extra time. However, St. Munchin s College hung on for the victory, with the win ensuring they will contest both the Junior and Senior Cup finals this year. Best for St. Munchin s were captain Ger Burke at No. 8 and full back Pat Tobin, with stellar performances also from centre Cathal O Neill and out half Robert Guerin. For Crescent, No. 8 Brian Downey had a terrific game, proving a thorn in St. Munchin s side throughout, with winger Andrew McDonnell always threatening.

Next up is the second semi final clash between Rockwell College and Christian Brothers College in Clonmel RFC on Wednesday. Rockwell College won their first two quarter final games, claiming a narrow 15-14 win over Presentation Brothers College in their opening game and defeating Crescent College in the second round. Christian Brothers College got the ideal start to their campaign, defeating Glenstal Abbey School 29-10 but suffering a setback in the second round when they went down to St. Munchin s. The loss meant they had to play a third round game to stay in the competition, and their 22-10 victory over local rivals Presentation Brothers College secured their place in the final.

Crescent College Comprehensive

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

Replacements:

Jack Bourke for O Shea (45), Sean Upton for McGarry (45)

St. Munchin s College

15. Pat Tobin, 14. Alan Peters, 13. Darragh Turner, 12. Cathal O Neill, 11. Craig O Hanlon, 10. Robert Guerin, 9. Conor O Driscoll, 1. Rory Sargent, 2. John Sherin, 3. Michael Kirby, 4. Sean Duggan, 5. Mark Healy, 6. Michael Madden, 7. Adam Kennedy, 8. Ger Burke (Captain)

Replacements:

Cian Tsang for Mark Healy (55)

Referee: Ken Imbusch (MAR)

Touch Judge 1: Ken McNamara (MAR)

Touch Judge 2: Roger Lonergan (MAR)