Corrigan’s try seals cup final spot for Árd Scoil Rís
ÁRD SCOIL RÍS are through to their second final of the Munster Schools Junior Cup after yesterday's victory over Rockwell at Tipperary.
The Limerick side capitalised on a defensive error 10 minutes into the second half to snatch the game's only try and it was to prove the decisive score.
They now meet the winners of today's second semi-final between PBC and CBC in the final. They last appeared in the decider in 1995 when beaten by Pres.
Árd Scoil Rís looked the stronger side in the opening minutes and it came as no surprise when Declan O'Rahilly put them in front with a well struck penalty after eight minutes.
Conor Quinlan had a great chance to equalise within a couple of minutes but his effort from the 22 metre line struck an upright.
The remainder of the half saw Rockwell attempt to snatch some worthwhile possession from the bigger and well-drilled Ard Scoil pack but without a whole lot of success.
They showed what they were capable of when right wing Jonathan Corcoran was set free after a nice attacking movement from deep in their own half, but the Ard Scoil defence was equal to the threat and got across to ward off the danger.
Half time arrived with the Limerick side still leading by that solitary penalty goal and relieved that forwards like Sean Daly, Michael Sherry and skipper Aidan Quilligan maintained a high level of performance from the outset.
Rockwell would like to have used the speed of Marcus O'Driscoll and Corcoran to greater effect but the Ard Scoil pack had different ideas.
Ten minutes into the second half, Árd Scoil capitalised on a bad defensive mistake by Rockwell. A couple of defenders collided as a high kick descended in their 22 and when the ball broke loose, it was booted over the Rockwell line.
Árd Scoil centre Philip Corrigan won the race for the touchdown with a suspicion he had started his run from an offside position.
The setback didn't diminish Rockwell's spirit who at last managed to gain some meaningful possession up front. They mounted some fine attacks from deep in their own territory and Daniel Lyons reduced their arrears with a penalty.
Árd Scoil subsequently did well to hold them out and so keep alive their hopes of putting their name on the trophy for the first time.
ROCKWELL: D Lyons; J Corcoran, M O'Driscoll, R O'Connor, C McEvoy; C Quinlan, capt,
C Rutherford; B Walsh, S O'Dwyer, K Buckley,
J Navarrette, D Boland, E Grace, P Hayes, D Corcoran. Replacement: J O'Dwyer for McEvoy;
D Foley for Walsh; R Keogh for Rutherford;
T O'Sullivan for Buckley.
ÁRD SCOIL RÍS: D O'Rahilly; R Ryan, R Brock,
P Corrigan, M Cosgrove; G Murphy, K Payne;
M Sherry, S Hogan, B Rowley, S Daly, C Phelan, J Burton, D Horan, A Quilligan, capt. Replacement: D Toomey for Burton.
Referee: Ken Imbusch.
