Quality Rugby Continues To Emerge At CBC

Fionn O’Connor, CBC, reports on the Munster Schools Junior Cup final replay at Thomond Park Stadium.

In recent years the road to Thomond Park has become almost like a pilgrimage for Christian Brothers College and their supporters. Like all great pilgrimages they test your endurance, character and skill, a trial by fire so to speak. The fire came in the form of Crescent College Comprehensive and after the first title deciding clash at Irish Independent Park ended in deadlock, Christians fate was sealed, they would take the long road to Limerick for the second successive year. Crescent proved to be an insurmountable task for the young Christians team as they fought gallantly but ultimately in vain as Crescent claimed the trophy by a ten-point margin.

After reaching the last four successive finals, Crescent record was less than impressive claiming their last title 2011. However, it was this poor record that spurred them on and consolidated the idea that they would not be denied this year. Crescent were well drilled for the match and started the game liveliest. This energetic start soon payed its dividends as Jack Madden surged over the line putting Crescent five points in the lead. John Hurley failed to convert finding it difficult to cope with the atrocious weather conditions. Christians slow start soon subsided and they soon became the dominate force within the match. With the momentum in Christians favour, it was only a matter of time till they broke through a shaky Crescent defence. In the 21st minute, Christians sustained pressure finally culminated with a try as Karl Waterman sidestepped past a Crescent defender.

It looked as if he had claimed the try for himself only to be ruled out as the ball was held up on the line. From the following scrum, the ever prominent number 8 Conor O’Sullivan ended the play by diving over the line and this time there was no doubt.  Billy Cane knocked over the points easily putting Christians 5-7 ahead. Crescent would make it to the break without any further indiscretions. Similar to the previous half Crescent started sprightliest with Christians emerging as if the first half still weighed heavy upon them. Crescent now emboldened by Christians sluggishness, launched a torrent of attacks causing a myriad of problems with Christian’s defence. In the 48^th minute, Crescent’s efforts were made good as Ronan Gallery went over following brilliant build up play by Jamin Hoffman.

Hurley converted nicely leaving Crescent 12-7 ahead. Christians sought to respond in kind, however their much admired handling seemed to disappear when the paramount task lurked ahead. Their play soon became riddled with sloppy passing errors and cheap turnovers. This lead directly to Crescent’s third try as Jack Madden snatched possession deep in his own half then surging into Christians territory caused mayhem among the Red’s defence before setting Ben Carew through for a magnificent try. Hurley’s conversion going well wide of the post left Crescent 17-7 ahead. Christians now tethering on the edge of oblivion, fired all cylinders in the hope of gaining some consolation. To Christians dejection they met an impervious Crescent defence finishing the game trailing by ten points.  Christians will be disappointed that they failed to achieve the much desired “double” this season but by any standards quality rugby is still emerging at CBC.