Super Rowsome try sets up Castletroy for narrow win

Castletroy College 16 Crescent College 13

Castletroy, who included several of the winning Junior Cup team, were pushed close by Crescent, but, in the end, held on well to seal a narrow three-point win.

A brilliantly worked first-half try by David Rowsome put Castletroy in command after Conor Fleming had scored a penalty and Jamie Hueston fired over a fine drop goal. Cian Clifford responded with two penalties but it was Castletroy who went into the break 11-6 in front. Castletroy picked up where they left off in the first half when Ronan McDonnell’s fine individual try pushed his side into a ten-point lead. Crescent hooker Jason Barry was shown a yellow card but his side showed good character to keep in touch.

Crescent turned defence into attack in the blink of an eye and Clifford was on hand to score a breakaway try in the corner.

The fly half converted his own try from wide on the touchline to leave three points between the sides with ten minutes remaining. As the game ticked into injury time, Crescent were awarded a penalty in front of the posts but as Castletroy had scored one try more, they were forced to run the ball rather than take the three points to take the game into extra time.

Castletroy’s defence stayed firm as they claimed the 2013 Bowen Shield.

CASTLETROY COLLEGE: O Kelly; S Hogan, R McDonnell, C Carroll, P Tuite; J Hueston, C Fleming; J Conway, M O’Mara, C Myers; E Slattery (D Kennedy, 65), E Hourigan (capt); K Davern, N O’Shea, D Rowsome.

CRESCENT COMPREHENSIVE: J Young; J Hanrahan, G Dickinson, B O’Hora, P Costelloe; C Clifford, J Lyons; Joe Barry, Jason Barry, S Downes; B Faloon, K Murphy (L O’Connell, 55); C Slattery, P Hickey, N Mulcahy.

Referee: P Hanlon (MAR).