Laya healthcare Munster Schools U17 Blitz 2014

The laya healthcare Munster Schools 10 a side blitz took place on Wednesday last in Crescent College Comprehensive, Dooradoyle, Limerick.

This is laya healthcare's second year sponsoring the event after their successful inaugural sponsorship last year in PBC, Cork.

With excellent dry weather conditions, 20 Schools participated in the blitz, which was divided into two sections to facilitate the 'A' Rugby playing schools in one section and the associate/non rugby playing schools in the other. The event saw over 400 players involved with games taking place over the four impressively manicured pitches.

To view photos from the day click here

In conjunction with the 10's competition the IRFU Leisure department ran a schools touch rugby event with a further 12 schools participating, bringing the total amount of players competing in both rugby styles to over 520.

The event commenced at 11.00am and concluded at 3.30pm. The Munster Association of Referees were on hand to officiate in each game, which saw a fabulous brand of open and expansive rugby due to the nature of the 10 a side game. With both sections competing for cup and plate silverware, it was evident that all teams had intentions to express themselves effectively to create a great spectacle of running rugby.

The final of section 'A' saw PBC, Cork play Rockwell College, Tipperary and refereed by All Ireland League Referee Ken Imbusch. In an entertaining game of free flowing rugby Rockwell College came out on top with a two tries to one score-line. Both tries for the winners scored by laya healthcare man of the match Tim Brennan. The plate final saw CBC, Cork come up short against the host school and current Munster Senior Schools Cup holders Crescent College Comprehensive. This game was refereed by former Irish International Women's player, and Grand Slam winner, Joy Neville. In the section B cup final an impressive SMI Newcastle West defeated Villiers School in another very entertaining contest.

Munster Branch Vice President Michael Goggin and Junior Vice President Bertie Smith attended the blitz and upon presentation of the prizes Mr Goggin paid huge tribute to all schools and their players for their involvement in this fabulous day and promotion of Munster schools rugby. The Munster Schools committee were represented on the day by schools Chairperson Tony Smith and Honorary Secretary Dudley Herbert.

Munster Rugby players Gerhard van den Heever, Paddy Butler and Barry O Mahony were on hand to present the finalist prizes, which involved the winners of both sections receiving laya healthcare branded Munster tops and both runners up getting squad tickets to the upcoming Munster v Glasgow Warriors game in Thomond Park.

The winners of both plate finals also received squad tickets to the game. There was also man of the match awards for each section final with the final's two tries scorer Tim Brennan of Rockwell College receiving the accolade from Gerhard van den Heever for the 'A' section final.

Crescent College Comprehensive provided a fantastic venue with all pitches in exemplary condition.

Munster Rugby would like to thank all schools for participating and look forward to running similar blitzes in the future.