Huge defensive display helps Tipperary school to Munster rugby success

Under 16 Mungret Shield Final

CLONMEL HIGH SCHOOL CBS 15 MIDLETON CBS 10

Clonmel High School CBS were crowned U16 Mungret Shield Champions in Virgin Media Park last Thursday following a fantastic final against Midleton CBS. The result was in the balance right up to the final moments of the game but a heroic defensive effort from the High School boys won the day!

The match kicked off in breezy conditions at Munster Rugby’s Cork HQ in front of sizeable vocal support for both schools. 

The first half was a very even affair with both teams settling into their patterns from early on. Midleton's much bigger pack were determined to bully the High School and it was clear from the start that the High School defence would have to work very hard. 

The Cork school had three good chances in the first half only to knock the ball on, much to the High School's relief. A fantastic defensive effort from High School’s back three Alex Pyke, Cody Lee and David Ryan was notable.

The match was still scoreless with two minutes from half time when the High School was awarded a penalty on the halfway line. Outhalf Conall Morrisson kicked the ball deep into Midleton’s 22 for a lineout. High School’s PJ Walsh was having a great game and he caught the ball from Jack Duggan’s throw to launch a rolling maul. From the ensuing break down, High School captain Mbekezeli Masuku dived over in the corner to score the first try of the day. The score put the High School 5-0 ahead at half-time.

The second half began with the wind in Midleton's favour but it was the High School who showed more attacking endeavour. A clever kick into space by Conall Morrisson gave winger Cody Lee the chance to gather the ball inside Midleton’s 22. Quick ruck ball allowed scrum half Junior Da Silva to spread the ball wide and crisp passing found full back David Ryan in space to score a great team try, extending the High School’s lead to 10 -0.

The game swung in Midleton’s favour for the next several minutes as they worked their way into the High School 22. Their big forwards carried well and despite the best efforts of the High School defence, the Cork school scored a good try to make it 10-5. 

The High School boys bounced back with another great try. It began with a line break in midfield from PJ Walsh. Excellent rucking from Alex O’Keeffe, Darragh Dempsey and Sam Normile gave Junior Da Silva quick ball to find Anthony Fitzgerald on hand to cut through the Midleton defence to bring the play into their 22. The High School inched their way to the try line following several carries from Jakub Prazan, Sebastian Baniak and Jack Duggan before centre Rian Galko crashed over for High School’s third try to extend their lead 15-5.

In the final quarter, Midleton came storming back with a try in the corner following good interplay between backs and forwards to reduce the High School's lead to 15-10.

The supporters were on their feet urging their boys on. We were heading for a grandstand finish.

With three minutes left, Midleton were on the attack in the High School 22. They were awarded a penalty and opted to run it with their big forwards. Successive carries brought them onto the High School tryline only for them to knock the ball on at the crucial moment! 

From the resulting scrum, the High School failed to clear their line and Midleton forced another penalty from the turnover. They chose to tap and go again, searching for the all-important try. The High School defence was up to the task with heroic work from every player. Sam Normile managed to get his hands on the ball to win a penalty for his team. The referee signalled time was up and Conall Morrisson kicked the ball into the stand to end the match! 

The final whistle brought scenes of jubilation as the Clonmel High School supporters swarmed onto the pitch to congratulate their team. 

Munster Rugby Branch President Michael Carroll presented the Mungret Shield to High School captain Mbekezeli Masuku and his team.

A special word of thanks to all the parents and family members who travelled to Cork for the match. They were fantastic in their support of the High School boys and gave them the encouragement to win the day. It is much appreciated by the team and coaches!

Well done to High School coaches Joe Sheehan, Donal Foote, Sven Hempen and Brendan Mullan for guiding the team to this Munster Final success. 

This victory is the third Mungret Shield title for the High School, having previously won it in 2019 and 2022. It brings the curtain down on a fantastic season for our U16 team and the entire school is so proud of their efforts this year. Well done to all involved!

The High School team:

David Ryan, Alex Pyke, Rian Galko, Anthony Fitzgerald, Cody Lee, Conall Morrison, Junior Da Silva, Mbekezeli Masuku (C), Sam Normile, Alex O’Keeffe, PJ Walsh, Darragh Dempsey, Sebastian Baniak, Jack Duggan, Jakub Prazan, Jack Fitzpatrick, James Blanchfield, Michael Murray, Seb Hopkins, Michael Maher, Natan Gucwa, Tony O’Brien, Jack O’Brien, Jaden Doolan, Conor Williams, Jamie Cahill, Olan Doocey, Gavin Mahony, Jerome Phelan, Sean Woods, Dylan Lafford, Sean Delahunty, Takky Ibrahim, Corey McKenna, Ben Tierney, Aidan McMaugh.