Gritty Glenstal edge past Midleton

GLENSTAL ABBEY can look forward to a quarter-final clash with Crescent College Comprehensive after eking out a narrow victory over Midleton College in the Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Senior Cup at Midleton RFC yesterday.

Two converted penalties in either half by Glenstal’s excellent play-making out-half Mike O’Flynn ensured the Limerick school victory, but they were made fight hard by a well-organised Midleton XV.

Early Glenstal pressure told when, after an infringement at a ruck 30 metres from goal, O’Flynn calmly registered a 22nd minute penalty for the only score of the first half.

Glenstal upped the tempo on the turnover, opting to run more ball, but all their enterprise was met by stiff Midleton defence. Forcing a knock-on from one Glenstal attack, Luke McKeown was sent clear down the left wing, giving the home side good field position.

When the impressive Nicolas Simonin — moved to out half in the second half — angled a penalty to the corner, O’Callaghan gathered in the lineout and McLay burrowed over for a 46th minute try. Clive Ross’ attempted touchline conversion sailed left.

However Glenstal worked their way into the opposition half and after an offside at a ruck, Mike O’Flynn stepped up to stab over a 55th minute penalty to win it for Glenstal.

Scorers: Glenstal: M O’Flynn two pens. Midleton: G McLay try.

GLENSTAL ABBEY: B Bradley; P Comerford, F Kearney, C Hughes, D Costello; M O’Flynn, J Hunt; D Casey, JJ Clarke, O Grennan; T Lambton, C O’Connor; R Madden, B Costigan, J O’Brien-Moran. Replacements: A Duff for Bradley (inj 6); D Heffernan for O’Brien-Moran (ht).

MIDLETON COLLEGE: N Simonin; C Cooney; B Twomey, J Lynch, L McKeown; R Swanscott, A Roberts; D Crosbie, N Wilcox (capt), D O’Riordan; C Ross, J Hackett; B Quill, G McLay, D O’Callaghan. Replacements: T Brennan for Quill (inj) and J O’Callaghan for Swanscott (both ht).

Referee: C McTaggart (MAR).