Pirates Clinch Cup in Gripping Decider

Cobh Pirates won the Heineken Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Cup Final for the third time in the clubs history, when they defeated League champions Crosshaven 15-14 after extra time in a gripping final at Musgrave Park.

This was some consolation for the Pirates having finished as runners up for the past three seasons, while Crosshaven have yet to taste victory in any of the major Cup competitions.

Eamon Ronan opened the scoring with a penalty after two minutes to put the Pirates into the lead. Conor Deane hit back with penalties after 9 and 23 minutes to give Crosshaven a deserved 6-3 half time lead, but for the domination that the league champions enjoyed in this period they should have been further ahead.

Two minutes into the second half the sides were level when Ronan landed his second penalty and he put his side back in front with his third effort on fifty seven minutes.

Crosshaven refused to concede defeat and in the second minute of injury time Deane sent the game into extra time with his third successful kick.

A decisive break by the Crosshaven backs saw Bobby Rogers go in for a try in the second minute of injury time for a 14-9 lead for the league champions.

Ronan proved to be Cobh’s hero as he reduced the deficit on ninety two minutes and then two minutes from the final whistle he kicked his fifth penalty to send the Cup to East Cork.