Rockwell Beat PBC At The Mardyke

Rockwell College have qualified for a home quarter final tie against St. Munchin’s in the SEAT Munster Schools Senior Cup after an enthralling victory over PBC at the UCC Sports Grounds at the Mardyke.

PBC 14 – 16 Rockwell College

by Rory Holohan

The Tipperary side had to withstand a late rally from their Cork counterparts that threatened to undo their hard work.

Rockwell started as the brighter of the two sides as they crossed the try-line in the opening five minutes via Brian McLaughlin. He capped off a series of phases that had Daryl Egan and Mike Casey contributing to his charge into the corner. Bill Johnston converted from the sideline to the delight of the Rockwell faithful.

PBC made several penetrative moves as they got a foothold in the game. It was ultimately handling errors that denied the side any hopes of a score, though the Rockwell defence stood firm.

The balance swung back in the favour of the Cashel side as Johnston punished an infringement in the ruck by tapping over a penalty from the Pres twenty-two metre line.

PBC had their own out half David O’ Sullivan to thank for his kicks through had the backline involved throughout. Winger Conor Duggan would have had a try to his name had poor handling not let down a phase where he was but a metre from the line, such was Pres’ proximity to that elusive try.

Rockwell responded to this with an attack of their own. Lee Molloy was first to a ball that PBC’s Daragh Dennehy failed to adequately clear. This turnover in possession had Rockwell rooted within the Pres half though they had nothing but a fine Johnston penalty from the halfway line to show for their efforts.

Pres looked to be in for a score as half time loomed following some rapid passes between the duo of Shane Daly and Patrick Hogan that brought them within inches of a try but the Rockwell defence did not let up.

The frustration of the Western Road side was heightened as they lost flanker Graham Smith in the opening minute of the second half to injury, with substitute Brian O’Mahony entering the fray.

Molloy always found himself involved in Rockwell’s attacks as he was a regular receiver of the ball and one who PBC found difficult to bring to ground. His influence came about as a result of Rockwell’s dominance in the line out, winning out in the majority of the aerial battles.

Pres finally registered a try on the fifty-minute mark. Inside centre Robin Reidy broke away to single-handedly bring his side into their opponent’s five metre line in a move that concluded in Duggan fending off two tacklers to ground the ball. Captain John Poland converted with a routine kick though the score which galvanised his team-mates.

Within sixty seconds, Dennehy’s kick and chase had Pres right back on the Rockwell try-line. Caolan O’ Flynn and Peter Sylvester were denied their own scores prior to another turnover from a defence of Sean O’ Connor and Mikey Wilson that never seemed to give an inch.

Johnston gave his side a nine point lead with another well taken penalty from the tee. Having impressed in the Munster U18s’ Interprovincial Series victory in recent months, it was no surprise to see him replicating this form, being four from four with the boot.

Sylvester ensured that nerves were high on both sides as his excellent try brought the game to its conclusion. He initially appeared to have been tackled on the Rockwell twenty-two metre line but immediately sprang to his feet to beat away four would-be tacklers and score. Poland obliged with the conversion.

The concluding few minutes had many a supporter on edge as play went from try-line to try-line with the two point margin in the balance. The forwards of both sides will be disappointed not to have seen their efforts rewarded but they make take heart from a display that showcased all their qualities.

The victory sees Rockwell claim a home quarter final against near neighbours St. Munchin's whilst Pres will undertake a journey to Castletroy College.

The players and coaches of the two teams extend their thanks to the Mardyke Arena for hosting the game and for use of the grounds.


PBC: [15-9] D. Dennehy, P. Hogan, S. Daly, R. Reidy, C. Duggan, D. O’ Sullivan, J. Poland (Capt)
[1-8] J. Ring, M. Shinkwin, S. Deane, C. O’ Flynn, K. O’ Leary, E. McCarthy, G. Smith, J. O’ Sullivan
Subs: D. McDonagh, C. Ormond, B. O’ Mahony, J. O’ Callaghan, P. Crowley, L. O’ Connor, P. Sylvester, P. Fitzgerald.

Rockwell: [15-9] T. McHale, J. Stone, L. Molloy, C. Cashman, K. Moynihan, B. Johnston
[1-8] N. Campion, B. Murray, J. Kendrick, S. O’ Connor (Capt), M. Wilson, T. Anglim, B. Mc Laughlin
Subs: D. Barron, C. Beary, J. Tierney, J. Binchy, J. Power, J. Pickering, E. Stonee, S. Lanigan Ryan.

Referee: Shane Kierans