Glenstal Abbey into Senior Cup final after brave Ardscoil comeback falls short

GLENSTAL Abbey will take on Presentation Brothers, Cork in the Munster Schools Senior Cup final after a nail-biting win over Ardscoil Ris at Thomond Park.

The Abbey stormed into an early 21-0 lead, with tries from Jack O’Mahony, George Downing and Luke Fitzgerald.

TRY @GlenstalRugby
Ardscoil Rís 0-21 Glenstal. What a performance this is! Luke Fitzgerald in for the 3rd try. #MSSC https://t.co/x0GFrN63nv

— eir Sport (@eirSport) March 2, 2017

It looked set to be a cruise in difficult conditions, but that was the end of the Glenstal scoring.

Resilient Ardscoil got a foothold when Alex O’Callaghan charged over before half-time.

Then out-half Evan Cusack, back after injury, landed a drop-goal as the comeback gained momentum.

As the rain teemed down after the break, scrum-half Craig Casey edged Ardscoil closer with a penalty.

And with plenty of time left on the clock, there was just  the minimum between the sides when hooker Colin Slater touched down and Casey converted.

A miracle turnaround looked on, but Casey’s drop-goal attempt was blocked and Glenstal held on in a thriller.

"Just delighted to get the win" - Rory Clarke & Sean Skehan spoke after their side's historic win at Thomond. #MSSC https://t.co/hxvKVweiVi

— eir Sport (@eirSport) March 2, 2017