Bandon Grammar power into Munster Schools Cup quarter-final

Four tries and no arguments as Cork boys set up knockout clash with Crescent College Comprehensive

CLEARANCE: Rockwell College scrum-half Aidan Russell clearing his lines despite Bandon pressure in their Pinergy Munster Schools Boys Senior Cup at Fethard Town Park, Co Tipperary. Pic: Dan Linehan

Munster Schools Senior Cup: 

Bandon Grammar School 27 Rockwell College 5

BANDON Grammar School marched into the quarter finals of the Pinergy-sponsored Munster Schools Senior Cup with a resounding 22-point victory over Rockwell College in Fethard.

After putting 35 points on Glenstal a fortnight ago, the west Cork school followed it with another convincing display to book a knockout spot against Crescent College Comprehensive, who lost earlier this week to PBC.

After a tentative opening quarter on the fast track at Fethard Town Park, Bandon wing Ilan Smith finally made the breakthrough in the 21st minute with a well finished try converted by Rory Golden. With the backing of a strong breeze it was imperative for Regis Sonnes' men that they took full advantage and Golden added three more points from the tee in the 28th minute.

However, Rockwell grabbed what looked like a lifeline just before the break when lock Ralph Kerry went over for five points. Even with the conversion wide, a 10-5 interval deficit hardly seemed insurmountable for the Tipp nursery.

Alas, that was as good as it got. After the break Bandon Grammar didn't only go up a gear - they were clinical in their execution of good field position and territory.

A Cash Healy try made it 15-5 and though the conversion was missed, it seemed to knick the stuffing out of Rockwell. Twenty five scoreless minutes ensued before Bandon really put the issue to bed. First Niall Miskella grabbed try No 3 before Paddy Coughlan added a fourth, with David Fuller adding the extras to make it 27-5.

ROCKWELL COLLEGE: R O'Brien; G Neville, D Morris, C Pollard, D O'Brien; C Molony Ryan, A Russell; C Ryan, M Thompson, D Lambe; D Crotty Casey, R Kerry; S Kovacs, M Gutierrez, L Sheil.

Replacements: I Ryan, S O'Loughlin A Bull, G O'Dwyer, C O'Mahony, R Hayde, L Thompson, N Dann, J Stokes, C Ralph.

BANDON GAMMAR: S Aherne; I Smith, C Harte, M Kennedy, N van der Westhuizen; R Golden, S O'Donovan; S O'Callaghan, Z Piper, J van der Velde; A Brennan, C Healy; M O'Regan, R Collins, P Coughlan.

Replacements: J Deasy, A Barry, J van Niekerk, J Symington, C Mueller, M Tubb, S Barry, D Fuller, N Miskella, L Linehan.