CIT Win Irish Colleges Title

The Cork Institute of Technology recorded a tremendous five point win over Carlow I.T. ‘A’ to claim the ICRU Division 2 title after a tense 80 minutes of rugby that didn’t really ignite until after half-time.

Match Report by: Brendan Johnston

Cork Institute of Technology 22
Institute of Technology, Carlow 17

While the opening 40 minutes saw the scores tied at just 3-3, Darragh O'Keeffe and Colin Sheridan exchanging penalties, Cork started the second period in blistering fashion as a succession of soft penalty concessions from Carlow were all punished by the clinical O'Keeffe.

He kicked four second half penalties to add to his first-half punt, and although Jared Owens ran over a try for Carlow in the 63rd minute, which was converted by Sheridan, Cork replied soon after through a well-worked move that was finished off by powerful front-row substitute Barry McNamara.

That was a killer blow for Carlow to be dealt, and although they didn't stop fighting in an effort to close the gap, Conor Finan's late try wasn't enough to derail Cork's charge towards the title as they closed out the final few minutes in a very composed manner.

Scorers for Cork I.T.: Try: McNamara, Con: O'Keeffe, Pens: O'Keeffe (5).
Carlow I.T.: Tries: Owens, Finan, Con: Sheridan (2), Pen: Sheridan.

Cork I.T.: Dean; Clohessey, Hurley, Fleming, Mulcahy; O'Keeffe, Barry; Foley, Murray, Flavin; Mullins, Keogh; O'Donnell, O'Brien, McCarthy.Replacements: Dowling for O'Brien (4), McNamara for Murray (47), Morrissey for Flavin (47).

Carlow I.T.: Southgate; Nolan, McQuillan, Barcoe, Lynch; Sheridan, Kenny; Kelly, Grenham, O'Rourke; Turner, Smith; Bulmer, Owens, Nolan. Replacements: Finan for Kelly (56), O'Grady for O'Rourke (56).