Pres get mighty test from Rockwell before clinching final spot
The victors, who scored three tries to Rockwell's one, deserve their final spot against St Munchin's at Thomond Park on St Patrick's Day when they will chase their first title since 1996 and their 26th overall.
But credit Rockwell too for their tenacious approach against the raging favourites, who had shocked holders CBC in the quarter-final. Central to that win was their reliance on drop goals, but when they attempted to repeat that tactic, both efforts were charged down by a well-drilled Rockwell who, from the outset, concentrated on keeping ball in hand and attacking Pres at every opportunity.
Out-half Tommy Barry looked a class act while back-row forwards Eoin Culliton, the captain, and number eight Neville Melbourne were a potent force up front. Pres were in for a grueller and fully appreciated that fact afterwards.
"It was so tight I could hardly breathe," admitted coach/manager Don Buckley. "People maintained it would be a bit of a cakewalk after we beat Christians but we knew otherwise. Rockwell were one of the best teams we played all year. I know their coach Frank Fitzgerald and knew he would put out a first-class side. I was happy at the way we came back after falling behind in the second-half but we have a lot of work to do. I felt we weren't clinical enough and we realise we will have a really serious game against St Munchin's in the final. We've got to adjust for that."
Despite a bright opening spell, Rockwell were guilty of indiscipline after only four minutes when back chat led referee Brian Fitzgerald to add an extra 10 metres to a penalty on the halfway line. Tom Gleeson took full advantage by landing a fine goal into the wind. As the game ebbed and flowed, Pres winger David Ward looked to be clear until hauled down by a fine tackle from behind by Barry.
Rockwell got on terms after 19 minutes when Culliton showed a perfect kicking technique as befits an All-Ireland MFC-winning Laois player when knocking a penalty between the posts from 35 metres.
He then put his side 6-3 ahead after 31 minutes but this served as a signal for Pres pressure which yielded a try for their scrum-half Sam Cronin two minutes into stoppage time.
The irony of the situation wasn't lost on those Rockwell supporters who remember Cronin's father Billy as the inspirational figure of their 1970 Cup triumph! Gleeson missed the conversion and the stage was set for a cracking second-half.
And that's just what these sides served up. Once again Rockwell started off at a fierce pace. Winger Peter Shallow went close in the left corner but gradually the Pres pack, in which skipper Dave Daly, Des Prendergast and Chris Kenefick were hugely influential, gained the upper hand.
Now it was Rockwell's turn to defend before breaking out of their own territory for Barry to make a run to the Pres posts which resulted in a tap over penalty for Culliton. Pres found themselves 9-8 in arrears but their reaction was immediate.
Out-half Gavin Dunne took a pass off his toes and though he was stopped just short, the forwards recycled the ball and this time the number 10 forced his way over in the corner.
There was now no stopping the Cork boys, their cause helped when the outstanding Melbourne was forced off through injury.
After 65 minutes Des Prendergast galloped 30 metres down the undefended left wing and when eventually stopped, the move carried on and Alex Kelleher crashed over.
Gleeson converted and at 20-9, it was all over as a contest. However, Rockwell had the last say when second-row Ronan Crosse scored their try five minutes into stoppage time and Culliton maintained his 100% kicking record by adding the points.
: E. Ryan; D. Ward, T. Gleeson, A. Kelleher, M. Carey; G. Dunne, S. Cronin; J. Philpott, D. O'Halloran, M. O'Leary, C. Kenefick, D. Prendergast, D. Daly capt, C. Fitzgibbon, E. Nugent. Replacements: N. Bourke for O'Leary 28 mins; E. McCarthy for O'Halloran 57; H. Dockry for Fitzgibbon 65; D. O'Connell for Carey 69.
: K. Quinlan; C. Quinlan, M. O'Driscoll, D. Mee, P. Shallow; T. Barry, M. Mulcahy; U. Foley, R. Coates, C. Canning, K. Roche, R. Crosse, E. Culliton capt, K. Leamy, N. Melbourne. Replacements: M. Buckley for Mulcahy 48 mins; P. Leahy for Melbourne 60; P. Thompson for C. Quinlan 68; E. Anderson for Coates 72.
: B. Fitzgerald (Munster).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
