High Drama at Musgrave Park as Constitution Clinch ODM Munster Senior Cup Final Place

Cork Constitution had a dramatic 23-20 win over Garryowen at Musgrave Park – coming back from 20-0 down to claim their place in this year’s ODM Munster Senior Challenge Cup Final

2008/9 ODM MUNSTER SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP
CORK CONSTITUTION 23-20 GARRYOWEN

There was high drama at Musgrave Park after an 84th minute kick 55 metres out from Richie Lane clinched the win for Cork Constitution over Garryowen in the semi final of the ODM Munster Senior Challenge Cup.

Constitution’s hero didn’t have the best possible start to the game, missing an early shot at goal, as well as his next three attempts at goal. After a slow start, it was Garryowen who put the first points on the board with a Conor Kilroy penalty after 18 minutes. Garryowen dominated the scoreboard for the first half, with Paul Neville going over for a try on 29th minutes which Kilroy converted to put them 10-0 ahead. Garryowen scored their second try in dramatic fashion after 39th minutes, with a textbook chip and chase by Ciaran O’Boyle, Constitution out half Daragh Lyons missing the touchdown and O’Boyle finally getting his hands on the ball for the score, which Kilroy duly converted to put Garryowen very firmly in the driving seat at the break, leading 17-0.

With Lane missing a penalty attempt at 44 minutes, Garryowen stretched their lead to 20-0 with Kilroy once again on target. A revitalised Constitution finally got their scoring off to a start after 54 minutes with a penalty awarded after the sin binning of Mark Melbourne. Lane converted to leave the score 3-20. Five minutes later Garryowen were reduced to 13 men after John O’Sullivan was sent to the bin. From here the scores came thick and fast- a minute later Constitution were awarded a penalty try after the Garryowen front row were deemed to be coming up in the scrum. Lane converted to leave the score 10-20 in Garryowen’s favour. Constitution scrum half Duncan Williams linked up well with flanker Ed Leamy after 63 minutes to put Richie Lane in for a try which he converted himself to bring Constitution within a score of Garryowen. Garryowen lost Neville Melbourne to the sin bin on the 73rd. The ensuing penalty allowed Richie Lane to level the score with a kick that just shaved the inside of the post, setting up a dramatic finish. Lane acquitted himself for earlier misses with a majestic 55 metre kick to break Garryowen hearts and put Constitution in the final.

The final is set for a Limerick venue on Sunday 4th January 2009.

Round One
Cork Constitution 24-3 UL Bohemian

Round Two
Crosshaven 19 – 27 Bruff
Midleton 14 – 32 U.C.C.
Nenagh Ormond 6 – 9 Old Crescent
Shannon 7 – 21 Cork Constitution
Thomond 24 – 41 Garryowen
Waterpark 10 – 19 Sundays Well
Young Munster 22 – 24 Highfield
Clonakilty 5 – 27 Dolphin

Quarter Finals
Highfield 5 – 9 Garryowen
Old Crescent 20 – 0 Sundays Well
U.C.C. 9 – 21 Cork Constitution
Dolphin 8 – 23 Bruff

Semi Finals
Bruff 13-17 Old Crescent
Cork Constitution 23-20 Garryowen