Heroic effort by Rockwell College falls just short in a pulsating Munster Senior Cup rugby clash

In an enthralling contest, Rockwell College lost out to Crescent College Comprehensive of Limerick at the all-weather pitch in UL. Originally scheduled for Thomond Park, the two teams went at it from the very beginning, with the Limerick school eventually running out 10-point victors’ courtesy of a disputed last-minute try. However, this game was much closer. In fact, the Tipperary school had their heads in front with just 10 minutes remaining.

The match began as the rain cleared and within 3 minutes Crescent College popped over with the first try of the game. From a well-executed line out, Crescent’s Johnathan Byrne crashed over for a try. The Crescent out-half, Evan Cusack, however, missed the conversion. Rockwell now grew into the game and a great penetrating run by David Marshall saw him lay off to Danny Norris, (presently on the Tipperary minor football panel), had Rockwell well inside Crescent territory.

From this sustained pressure Rockwell forced a penalty which was successfully scored by full back Mark Neville. Straight from the re-start, Crescent managed to secure possession and scored under the posts with a great individual effort by Ryan Scannell. Evan Cusack landed the conversion to leave the game 12 points to 3.

Rockwell regarded and forced Crescent on the backfoot. Alex Harold Barry, who was outstanding throughout the match, gathered the ball from a lineout won by Clonmel’s Colm O Mahoney. Harold-Barry charged forward setting up the ruck. Following great work by Rockwell captain Ronan O Connor at the breakdown, Rockwell’s scrum half Aidan Russell gave a quick ball to centre Muiri Lambe who forced his way over the line for Rockwell’s first try.

Mark Neville added extras, leaving the Tipperary team behind by 2 points. With just minutes to go to half time Ronan Ryan, the Crescent front row went over for the Limerick schools third try. Cusack missed the conversion which left 7 points between the two teams at the break. Rockwell made changes at half time with Jack Finn coming in for Mathew Attard in the front row and Lucas Sheil replacing the injured Colm O Mahoney in the back row.

Rockwell came strongly into the game in the second half and Andrew Wall, brother of Munster and Irish rugby international Dorothy Wall, went over for Rockwell’s second try. With Neville missing the difficult conversion, it was a two-point game again. In the 45th minute, Crescent won a penalty, and Evan Cusack kicked the 3 points. A few plays later and Crescent were reduced to 14 men when second row Conor Ryan was sin-binned for an off the ball tackle.

From the resulting penalty, Rockwell forwards put together great phases of play and Mateo Gutierrez scored a third try for team in Blue and White. Cian Ralph, who had replaced the injured Mark Neville, added the conversion, and Rockwell College went in front. Crescent to their credit regained their composure and with Conor Ryan back on the field, scored a try in the 56th minute.

With the missed conversion there was now only 3 points separating the sides. In the 60th minute Rockwell secured a penalty in a kickable position. Considering that Crescent had scored the first try, Ronan O Connor, the Rockwell captain understood that Rockwell needed a try.

Cian Ralph kicked for the corner. Rockwell won the resulting lineout and with a well worked move sent Joe Higgins, Tipperary U20 football player, over the try-line. However, the referee deemed the ball was passed forward and disallowed the try. Crescent won the resulting scrum and cleared their lines. On the last play of the game Crescent College scored a disputed try by replacement Oran Copley and Evan Cusack added the extras to leave the final score line 32 points to 22 in Crescent’s favour.

Crescent College were physically much larger and played a powerful game, especially Cormac Quinn at no. 8. Cusack kicked placed balls well and the two wingers, Sam Jordan and Ryan Scanlon, showed great pace. Rockwell College played some excellent rugby throughout with players such as Andrew Wall, captain Ronan O Connor, Muiri Lambe and Mathuin Carey displaying great composure throughout.

The outstanding Alex Harold-Barry got through a mountain of work in the back row. He took on ball at every opportunity and his contribution was immense. However, the youth of the Rockwell side should not go un-noticed. Eight of the team which finished the match are eligible for next year’s competition. Ralph Kerry, Aidan Russell, Conor Moloney Ryan and Danny Norris will benefit from this experience going forward.

Rockwell College Mark Neville (1 pen and 1 con), Danny Norris, Mathuin Carey, Muiri Lambe(Try), Joe Higgins, Conor Moloney Ryan, Aidan Russell, Mathew Attard, Ronan O'Connor, Andrew Wal(Try), Ralph Kerry, Mateo Gutierrez(Try), Colm O Mahoney, David Marshall, Alex Harold-Barry. Replacemants; Lucas Sheil for Colm O Mahoney and Jack Finn for Mathew Attard (half time), Cian Ralph(1 con) for Mark Neville(50 min)

Crescent College: Fionn Rowsome, Ryan Scanlon(try), Michael O Mara, Ben Gallagher, Sam Jordon, Evan Cusack (2 con and 1 pen), Andrew Cleary, Ronan Ryan(try), Johnathan Byrne(try), Cathal Ryan, Darragh Mckeogh(try), Conor Ryan, Daniel Magee, Tom O Brien, Cormac Quinn.