CBC pushed all the way by newcomers Castletroy

Castletroy College 5

With their seniors safely through to the St Patrick's Day decider against Ard Scoil Ris or PBC (who clash at Musgrave Park on Sunday) the juniors were expecting a severe test from Castletroy and that's what they got. Indeed, there was every possibility of a shock outcome as the Limerick boys held a two point entering the final ten minutes.

Constant Christians pressure told in the end, however, and they deserved their place in the semi-finals. They will benefit from this outing and have some outstanding individuals in flankers Shane O'Sullivan, the captain, and Kevin Essex while Steve Holland was outstanding in the lineouts.

Full marks, too, to Castletroy, competing in the competition for only the second time, for this was a game they could certainly have won. They shook off any sense of inferiority early on when forcing three penalties inside the Christians 22. Each time, they scorned a kick at goal but the Christians defence held firm in the face of a lot of pressure. They sought the three points when the opportunity presented itself on a fourth occasion but Paul Cummins was off target.

Playing into the strong, cold wind, Christians were pinned in their own territory for the opening 20 minutes before outhalf Mark O'Donovan put them three points ahead with a well struck penalty.

Undaunted, Castletroy regained the initiative. On the stroke of half time scrum-half Jack Hoare made a fine break and although he was stopped on the line, was able to recycle the ball for burly prop Tom Foley to pick up and crash over for the game's only try.

Although under a lot of pressure early in the second-half, Castletroy retained their 5-3 advantage until the 52nd minute when O'Donovan landed a penalty. But even then the home side had a chance when awarded a penalty in a favourable position. However, Cummins pulled his shot at goal and Christians duly made sure with O'Donovan's third penalty.

CBC: I. Dineen; P. O'Driscoll, S. Parfrey, D. Houlihan, J. Melia; M. O'Donovan, S. Lee; N. Murphy, J. Noonan, J. Erangey, S. Holland, P. Murphy, S. O'Sullivan capt, K. Essex, I. McCarthy. Replacements, F. Tummon for Lee 38 mins; J. Cantillon for Holland 60.

CASTLETROY: P. Hackett; B. Dunphy, R. O'Mahony, N. Maloney, G. O'Toole; P. Cummins, J. Hoare; T. Foley, S. Gunnigle, C. Healy, T. Morgan, J. Kavanagh, V. Ryan, S. Kelly, D. Martin. Replacements, R. Crotty for Kavanagh 38; S. Stokes for Ryan 60.

Referee: L. Coffey.

Castleknock College, last year's runners-up six tries past a valiant St Gerard's School in the quarter-final of the Leinster Schools Section C Junior Cup at Donnybrook yesterday.

Scorers: Castleknock College: B McKeon 2 tries; A Redmond, D O'Connor, E Murphy, M Sheerin try each; B Collins 2 pens, con.

St Gerard's School: E Deveney, L Kavanagh try each; K Tonetti pen.