Tipperary Rugby: Junior qualifier final joy for Clonmel High School

U16 Junior Cup Qualifier Final

HIGH SCHOOL CBS 34 COLAISTE POBAL BANTRY 21

Clonmel High School’s U16 Rugby team secured qualification to the Munster Schools Junior Cup following a comprehensive victory over Colaiste Pobal Bantry in Musgrave Park last Thursday.

The High School began well attacking into the Bantry half with good interplay between our backs and forwards. Sustained pressure allowed Rian Galko to cut through the Bantry defence to score our first try of the day, giving us an early 5-0 lead.

A few minutes later, Bantry replied with a converted try to give them a 7-5 lead. That was short lived when High School outhalf David Ryan made a break down the wing to score a fine try. Conall Morrisson kicked the conversion to put us 12-5 ahead.

By now the High School had the upper hand and pushed for another score. Our lineout was working well with PJ Walsh and Alex O’Keeffe impressing. Our defence was solid and our back three of Alex Pyke, Cody Lee and Aidan McMaugh closed any Bantry attack.

Just before half time, centre Anthony Fitzgerald scored our third try to give us a 17-7 lead at the break.

The second half resumed in a similar pattern. The High School pack carried well with Jakub Prazan, Jack Duggan and Sean Delahunty on the front row making the hard yards. Captain Mbekezeli Masuku and Sam Normile were a constant threat at the breakdown securing multiple turnovers. Alex O’Keeffe was next to score a try for the High School and Morrisson added the conversion to extend our lead to 24-7.

Sebastian Baniak, Conor Williams, Jaden Doolan and Jerome Phelan were introduced from the High School bench and made an immediate impact with their energy.

Galko was having a great game and his hard work was rewarded with a second try to push the High School ahead 29-7.
Jack O’Brien, Gavin Mahony and Corey McKenna were introduced to keep the pressure on Bantry. A lovely crossfield kick from Morrisson found Galko in the corner to score his hatrick and his team's sixth try to put the result beyond doubt.
Bantry scored two late consolation tries but they didn't matter.

The High School now play Glenstal Abbey in the first round of the Munster Junior Cup in January. This is the third time the High School has qualified for the Junior Cup in recent years and huge credit is due to the panel of players and coaches. Exciting times ahead for High School rugby!