Clonmel High School recover from setback to book Mungret Cup final place

Under 19 Mungret Cup School Rugby

Villiers School 5 Clonmel High School 14

Clonmel High School’s Under 19 rugby team travelled to Limerick last Thursday to play Villiers School on their home pitch in the Mungret Cup semi-final.

The Limerick school began strongly, scoring a try in the corner after two minutes following sustained pressure. Indeed, it looked like it might be a tough day at the office for the High School, as Villiers dominated possession in the first half. While they had some big ball carriers, the High School defence held firm and kept Villiers scoreless for the remainder of the match.

Just before half-time, a High School lineout in the Villiers 22 produced a powerful rolling maul, resulting in Luke Slattery scoring a try. Sean McEntagert kicked the sideline conversion to put his team 7-5 ahead at the break.

The tight scoreline prompted the High School to take the game to Villiers and they rose to the challenge in the second half with a much better performance.

Both defences were on top, forcing mistakes and turnovers. In the final 10 minutes, following a number of powerful runs by the High School forwards, the Villiers’ defence was stretched, and High School winger Calum Kennedy sidestepped his opponents for a fantastic try in the corner.

Once again Sean McEntagert kicked the conversion from the sideline to extend the High School’s lead to 14-5.

Encouraging and exciting times for Tipp women athletics

The referee blew the final whistle five minutes later to the delight of the High School team and travelling support.

The High School now advance to the Munster final where they will play either Pobalscoil Bantry or Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig, who played yesterday, Tuesday, February 28. The final is provisionally fixed for Wednesday, March 15 in Musgrave Park.

Upcoming Fixtures
Thursday, March 2
U15 Cleary Cup semi-final
High School CBS v Villiers School
Clonmel RFC, 12.30.
Thursday, March 2
U14 Friendly
High School CBS v Cashel CS
Clonmel RFC, 12.30.
Wednesday, March 15
U19 Mungret Cup Final
High School CBS v Pobalscoil Bantry or Coláiste Choilm Ballincollig,
Musgrave Park.