St Munchin’s and Pres renew semi-final battle at the Mardyke

ST MUNCHIN’S COLLEGE have come a long way since losing to Rockwell in the opening round of the Avonmore Munster Schools Cup. After being subjected to a hiding by a team that has now reached the decider, the Limerick side are on the cusp of joining them in the St Patrick’s Day showpiece.

They recovered, through the back door, from that defeat by Rockwell to oust one of the tournament favourites Crescent Comprehensive, before going on to trouble PBC Cork in Sunday’s semi-final at Clifford Park.

The end result of a rousing contest was a 10-10 draw and that has led to this afternoon’s replay at the Mardyke in Cork (3pm).

St. Munchin’s retain the team that pushed high-flying Pres to the limit and they hope Sunday’s huge physical effort does not take its toll.

Pres are equally worried, according to rugby secretary Brian MacMathúna, who announced two changes from Sunday’s starting line up. Ross Caplice and Ryan Murphy move up from the bench to replace Rory Cullinane on the wing and Brian Carroll at blind side flanker, respectively. Both replace players who are carrying minor knocks.

Despite having home advantage on a ground just a short walk away from the school’s Cork base, MacMathúna is expecting nothing easy. “Sunday’s game was tough, St Munchin’s proved to be very vigorous opponents, defended very well and it was really touch-and-go. They’re very dogged, very clever defensively and they will be very hard to break down. We’re under no illusions but that it will be another very difficult game and we will have to focus on a big improvement at the breakdown, where St Munchin’s were outstanding at the weekend,” he said.

PBC: S. Glynn, R. Caplice, J. Costigan, D. Horgan, E. Dennehy, S Og Murphy, R. Barry, C. Keane, B. Vaughan, N. Scannell, R. O’Herlihy, D. O’Mahony (captain), R. Murphy, J. Duffy, C. O’Flaherty.

ST. MUNCHIN’S: B. Mullins, C. Cunnane, L. Kuntz, E. Carr, P. Curtis, J. Murray, D. Ryan, S. Gavin, E. Hogan, J. McGovern, E. Ryan, G. Ryan, J. Sherin, K. McManus, T. Goggin (captain).