High School into Cleary Cup final after tough test of character against Waterpark College

Under 15 Cleary Cup

Clonmel High School 30 Waterpark College 24

This final group match of the Cleary Cup played at Clonmel RFC last Wednesday was a classic, with the result in the balance up to the final whistle.

Waterpark College got off to a great start, scoring a try within two minutes following a powerful run by their prop. The High School’s reply was instantaneous, with centre Anthony Fitzgerald touching down with a great individual effort from the restart.

The High School dominated possession for the next ten minutes. Captain Mbekezeli Masuku made a storming run to score a try, putting his team 10-5 ahead. Minutes later Alex O’Keeffe made a break to give a lovely pass to winger Cody Lee, who scored in the corner, extending the High School’s lead to 15-5.

Waterpark College replied with two tries and a conversion to put them back in the lead 17-15. Just before half time, Mbekezeli Masuku was rewarded for his hard work with a second try to put the High School back in front by 20-17 at the break.

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The second half was as frantic as the first, with both teams displaying a willingness to attack at every opportunity. Midway through the half, the High School had good possession in the opposition 22 but a handling error gave the ball to the Waterpark College centre, who raced 80 metres to score under the posts. The conversion made it 24-20.

This was proving to be a real test of character for the High School. Fortunately, cool heads prevailed and sustained pressure with good carries by Junior Da Silva, Mbekezeli Masuku and PJ Walsh gave centre Rian Galko the platform to score the High School’s fifth try, restoring their lead to 25-24. Moments later quick thinking by Da Silva, with a tap penalty, put Galko in for his second try, pushing the score out to 30-24.

There were two minutes left and Waterpark College went searching for the winning score. They were held up on the High School’s try line following a massive defensive effort by the home team. Anthony Fitzgerald managed to steal the ball to lift the siege and the final whistle sounded to the collective relief and joy of the High School.

The High School now progress to the semi-final and await the winners of Villers School v Cashel Community School.

Under 14 Friendly
The High School Under 14 team played a friendly against Waterpark College on Wednesday in Clonmel RFC. In a high-scoring game, the High School lost by one score in the dying moments of the match. It was a fantastic effort from both teams, with all the High School boys getting a match so well done.

Fixtures
Thursday, February 23
U19 Mungret Cup Semi-Final
High School CBS v Villiers School
U14 Friendly
High School CBS v Villiers School
Both matches in Limerick at 12pm

Thursday, March 2
U15 Cleary Cup semi-final
High School CBS v Villiers School or Cashel Community School
U14 Friendly
High School CBS v Villiers School or Cashel Community School
Both games in Clonmel RFC.