Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup Final

Christian Brothers College triumphed in the Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup, with a 15-14 victory over St. Munchin’s College in what proved a hugely exciting encounter

AVONMORE MILK MUNSTER SCHOOLS JUNIOR CUP FINAL

Christian Brothers College 15-14 St. Munchin s College

Christian Brothers College came out on top as champions in one of the most tightly contested Junior Cup finals in recent years. Having come into the game with a 6-0 defeat to St. Munchin s behind them in their quarter final Round Two clash, CBC were determined to make amends, holding out for the victory despite a late onslaught by the Limerick side at Musgrave Park on Wednesday.

CBC opened the scoring after 13 minutes with a penalty landed from the boot of out half Joe Holland, only for St. Munchin s to reply four minutes later with flanker Michael Madden converting a penalty. With the side s remaining locked for much of the first half, CBC edged ahead after 29 minutes, with a try from second row Ian O Gorman, who crossed the line after stealing a St. Munchin s throw on the 5 metre line and driving over. Joe Holland added the extras with a superb touchline conversion, to put CBC 10-3 ahead. Two minutes into injury time, St. Munchin s clawed with another Madden penalty to reduce the deficit- leaving the score 10-6 at half time to CBC.

Madden added another penalty to his tally, while Joe Holland claimed a try of his own after 51 minutes, without converting, to stretch CBC s lead to 15-9. With CBC s triumph looking secure as the minutes counted down, St. Munchin s has other ideas, with full back Craig O Hanlon catapulting his side back into contention for the Cup with a dazzling solo try in extra time, scoring in the corner to set up a difficult kick for Madden to win the game for St. Munchin s. However, the awkward angle proved too much of a challenge for the right footed kicker, and CBC held on- just about- to claim the prize.

It was a hugely entertaining game for the spectator, complete with the drama and excitement that has become synonymous with Schools Cup rugby. As this year s campaign draws to a close, CBC will bask in the glory of their triumph, while St. Munchin s will certainly be proud of their consistency in this year s competition and a tremendous performance in the final.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS COLLEGE

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

Replacements: 16. Michael Meehan, 17. Jack Lynch, 18. Chris Corkery, 19. Emmett Doyle, 20. Brian Slater, 21. Alex Daly, 22. Eoin O Donnell

ST. MUNCHIN S COLLEGE

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

Replacements: Ben Sargent for O Driscoll (58)

Not Used: 16. James McGovern, 17. Aaron Dineen, 18. Cian Tsang, 19. Darragh Crawford, 20. Paul Loughran, 21. William White, 23. Conor Cunnane, 24. Eoin Rowley

Referee: Ger English (MAR)

AVONMORE MILK MUNSTER SCHOOLS JUNIOR CUP

FIXTURES/RESULTS

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 Christian Brothers College
3. Wednesday 1/2/06: Rockwell College 15-14 Presentation Brothers College
4. Wednesday 1/2/06: Crescent College Comprehensive 25-10 Ard Scoil Ris

Second Round

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

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

Semi Finals

1. Tuesday 14/3/06: St. Munchin s College 12-7 Crescent College Comprehensive
2. Wednesday 15/3/06: Rockwell College 10-17 Christian Brothers College