Crescent hold firm

HAVING controlled the game for much of the first half after which they led 10-0, Crescent Comprehensive had to withstand fierce final quarter pressure from Castletroy before qualifying for the semi-finals of the Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Senior Cup at Dooradoyle yesterday.

Once they settled down, Crescent, by far the stronger side physically, dominated the opening half. Skipper Sean Monaghan led by example and got great support from Jack Donovan and Jack Dineen and nippy scrum-half Michael D’Arcy was always a threat on the break while also linking well with powerfully built out-half Larry Hanley.

Castletroy had the first scoring chance but full-back Barry Neville pushed a 30-metre penalty right of the posts. After that, it was nearly all Crescent and it was only desperate defence that prevented lively flanker Padraig Ryan from finishing off a superb attack on 20 minutes.