Gripping battle on cards as arch-rivals lock horns

A RIVALRY that borders on legend should see an expected 8,000 crowd descend on Musgrave Park today for the meeting of age-old Cork schools Christian Brothers College and Presentation Brothers College in the Avonmore Munster Schools Senior Cup final (kick off 3pm).

Both teams left it late to record wins in their respective semi-finals: Pres captain Scott Deasy landed a last minute conversion into a biting cross-field wind against Crescent, while Christians’ Niall Courtney scored a dramatic injury time try that ousted 2006 champions St Munchin’s 13-8.

Deasy, appearing in his third straight Senior Cup final, has been a pivotal figure in Pres’ road to the final. The Ireland U19 out half will be the first to acknowledge the contribution of his pack, one that is capable of building a strong platform for the Pres backs. Prop Peter Kelleher, who doubles as a fine lineout thrower, is at his best in the loose while Niall Barry, Brian O’Hara and Michael Kenefick are crucial cogs in a very competent Pres pack.