Obande wields huge influence as Ard Scoil book final place again

ARD SCOIL RÍS remain on target for a third Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup since 2003 after they edged home by two penalties to one against Castletroy in yesterday’s semi-final at Dooradoyle.

Ard Scoil just about merited their place in next Wednesday’s final against Crescent Comprehensive but they made heavy weather of it, and were lucky to avoid extra-time when a penalty in the dying minutes by Castletroy replacement full-back Stephen Power drifted inches wide.

The winners had a very definite edge in the physicality stakes and in number eight Paul Obande they had the outstanding player on view. He received excellent support from second-rows Frank Bradshaw-Ryan and Daniel Wixted while Robbie Deegan was a real livewire at scrum-half.