Ardscoil Rís survive late scare to reach Munster Junior Schools cup semis
INTO THE SEMIS: Xabi Scanlon, Castletroy College, on the attack against Ardscoil Ris in the Munster Schools Junior Cup Quarter Finals
Ardscoil Rís reached the Munster Junior Schools Cup semi-final seeing off Castletroy College in a Limerick derby at a damp Thomond Park.
In a closely fought game, this went right to the wire, as Ardscoil’s poor discipline almost allowed their cross-city rivals overturn a 12-point deficit.
A downpour of rain in the couple of hours prior to kick-off at the home of Munster Rugby, meant it was tricky for all involved. However, both teams must be credited for executing the skills so well with the slippery ball.
Tries from Najim Jagana, Oisin Healy and Dylan Quirke were enough for the winners, who looked more accustomed to their surroundings in Mayorstone. There was replies from Ben O’Connell and Xabi Scanlon, with O’Connell the nephew of Munster legend, Paul.
Najim Jagana showed superb feet and pace to evade a number of tacklers and get in for the opening score after exactly three minutes. The full-back was set free by centre Dylan Quirke and he stayed just infield to go over in the left corner.
Oisin Healy doubled the try total. Collecting a clearing kick of the 10-meter line, he slalomed he way through much of the Castletroy defence, to go un virtually unscathed beneath the posts. The extras from Jack Thorne made it 12-0 after as many minutes.
A misfiring lineout, and a few handling errors scuppered a few half openings for Castletroy, while Ardscoil looked potent when running from deep.
After a robust half defensively, Ardscoil undid much of their work when they conceded a try in stoppage time. A box-kick from just outside the 22-meter line drifted out on the full. This allowed Castletroy launch a final attack.
The eventually scrambled the ball over, after an off-load inches out, with O’Connell applying the finishing touch. His towering presence a real feature for Castletroy all afternoon.
The touchline conversion, from centre Cormac Devitt, meant it was 12-7 at the change of ends – and suddenly it was a contest again.
Ryan McCormack, the Ardscoil centre, received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on his opposite number, Cormac Devitt. This, ten minutes into the second half, meant the lead was under serious threat.
With the man advantage, Castletroy thought their sustained territory had yielded the levelling score.
However, Kevin Griffin was held up expertly. This ensured a scoreless period for Ardscoil without McCormack. Another step towards victory.
Again, the boys in blue were denied close out, time a turnover penalty after good work in the ruck from the North Circular Road school. They would lose Leo Carmen to a yellow card, this time for a high tackle.
Conor Glynn’s youngsters were superb in defending their own line before breaking away to get the game clinching score. However, the number of penalties conceded, which reached double digits, will be of concern.
After winning a a penalty just eight metres out, in front of the posts, they decided to tap-and-go. This was rewarded after a few phases and Dylan Quirke crossed to put them two scores clear inside the final five minutes.
Castletroy set up a grandstand finish. After a trio of penalties, the bulldozed their way over through Xabi Scanlon. The conversion meant it was back to five points entering stoppage time.
Their opening to tie, or indeed win the contest never materialised, as they exit the competition.
A trip to Virgin Media Park early next month is Ardscoil’s reward, with CBC set to provide a stern test of their credentials.
N Jagana, O Healy, D Quirke
J Thorne (2)
B O’Connell, X Scanlon
C Devitt (2)
N Jagana; O Healy, D Quirke, R McCormack, D Curran; J Thorne, L O’Flanagan; D Geaney, P Oyedeji, T Maher, C O’Doherty, B O’Loughlin, M Glennon, B Morrissey, L Carman.
S Golden, T McNamara, A Higgins, C O’Dywer, E Hillery, P Gleeson, C Cronin, J Bell, G Barry, C Carey.
L Hogan; R O’Dwyer, B Kiely, C Devitt, E Boland; D Glynn, E Collins; J Siudzinski, K Griffin, J Walsh, C Hogan, K Waldron, X Scanlan, B O’Connell, C Ryan.
J Meegan, A Berkery, B He, M Hourigan, J Dooley, C Brown, D Stokes, T Fogarty, A Mohammad Ali, R McInerney.
Ben Linane (MAR).
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