Crescent enjoy comprehensive derby cup victory
The local “derby” attracted a sizeable attendance and Ard Scoil Rís turned in a fine performance before finally giving best to a Crescent side that now moves on to the semi-final.
Ard Scoil will remain in the hunt should they win their next outing in the qualifiers but will have to do so without second-row forward Jonathan O’Toole, stretchered off midway through the opening half.
Ard Scoil were 5-0 ahead at the time after the forwards recycled the ball impressively from a series of rucks before prop George O’Shea forced his way over. Crescent were back on level terms after 20 minutes when slick handling opened the way for a try by winger Dara O’Doherty.
Ard Scoil went close to regaining the initiative on the stroke of half time only to see a penalty attempt from Jamie McGarry come back off an upright. Crescent enjoyed the better of matters in the second half and the pressure told when captain Eoin Cross went over 10 minutes after the restart and Shane O’Brien converted.
Meanwhile Rockwell College carved out a 10-5 victory over Glenstal Abbey School at Kilfeacle yesterday.
The Tipperary college got the scoreboard ticking on 10 minutes when loose head prop Daniel McGee crossed the line. No 8 Jack Lonergan landed the difficult touchline conversion.
Glenstal replied in telling fashion. After turning over a Rockwell lineout, they moved the ball through the backs where centre Hugh Byrne crossed for a try. It remained 7-5 until half time.
Glenstal couldn’t make second half possession tell. And on a rare attack inside the Glenstal 22, Rockwell came away a valuable three points, scored by Lonergan after Glenstal brought down a scrum in front of the posts.
Rockwell now play PBC in their third qualifying round, quarter-final tie on February 28 in Cork.
CRESCENT: T. Ryan; J. Quinlan, D. O’Doherty, J.J. O’Toole, S. O’Brien; G. Quinn-McDonagh, R. Fenton; L. Malone, J. Randles, L. Murray, G. Herbert, J. Donovan, E. Cross (Capt), K. O’Shea, D. Cowpar. Replacements, P. Coffey and C. Russell for Fenton and Donovan 45 mins.
ARD SCOIL RÍS: J. McGarry; C. Airey, W. Storan, R. Henehan, A. McNamara; E. Commane, J. Gavin; R. McMahon, G. O’Shea, N. Buckley, J. O’Toole, P. Monaghan, K. Walsh, I. Hickey, T. Goggin (Capt). Replacements, P. McGann for O’Toole 16 mins; M. Fitzgibbon for McMahon 41; M. Leonard for McNamara 47.
Referee: D. Moloney (Munster).
