Powerful Clongowes have few weaknesses

CLONGOWES WOOD are unbackable favourites at 1/14 to retain their Powerade Leinster Senior Schools Cup crown for the first time, but the tag has not sat well with the Clane school in the past.

Nonetheless, there are not many weaknesses for Cistercian Roscrea to exploit; this Clongowes side are reckoned by many to be one of the finest vintages in the school’s history.

Openside and captain Conor Gilsenan is a force of nature, and he has Ireland U20 cricketer Jordan Coughlan for company in the back row.

The Byrne twins, Bryan and Edward, in the front row spearhead an impressive set-piece, while David Quirke pulls the strings behind a back division that thrives on turnover ball.

Roscrea have an unyielding, hard-working pack of their own — with number eight Colin Moloney the star man there so far — albeit one that will concede a physical edge.

However, they can look to make hay in the wider channels, where Clongowes have looked suspect at times. Cistercians have star quality in their midfield partnership of Shane Layden and Conor Finn, while their set of brothers, the O’Dwyers, have a vast influence on the team’s spine, with full-back Philip a natural footballer while hooker Denis O’Dwyer is an important cog in their forward unit.

Roscrea pride themselves on their defence, but it will be put to the ultimate test today. However, if the Tipperary boys can continue to frustrate opponents, snaffle their opportunities when they come and stay in touch going into the final quarter, they’ll have every chance.