Tipperary Rugby: Clonmel High School overcome Limerick opposition to advance further in McCarthy Cup

Under 15 McCarthy Cup Round 4
High School CBS 24 St. Clement’s 17

The fog before kick-off at Clonmel RFC last Thursday was not the only factor that made this a tricky fixture for the High School. St Clement’s were also unbeaten so far this season, so the result would more than likely determine which team will eventually finish on top of the group.

Despite St Clement’s being a physically bigger team, the High School began very well. An earlier penalty gave outhalf Jack O’Brien the opportunity to kick to the corner. From the resulting lineout a few good passes allowed Alex O’Keeffe to crash over for his team’s first try. O’Brien kicked the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

Minutes later PJ Walsh scored another fine try. O’Brien again kicked the conversion for 14-0.

Despite having most of the possession, a turnover in the St Clement’s 22 allowed their big full back to make a ranging run to score a great individual try to make it 14-7.

Just before half-time, the High School again turned over the ball in the opposition half, allowing the St Clement’s centre to make a good break, scoring their second try. At half-time the High School led 14-12.

The second half began again with the High School playing the better rugby. Conal Morrison was having a great game at scrum half while Anthony Fitzgerald, Corey McKenna, Gavin Mahony and Nathan Dalton were prominent.

Following good rucking by Jack Duggan, Sebastian Baniak and Michael Murray, number eight Mbekezeli Masuku was finally rewarded for all of his hard work with a well-taken try, extending the High School lead to 19-12.

Tipperary teams bow out of FAI Youths Cup away to top Galway and Limerick opposition

However, St Clement’s bounced back immediately, with their big, heavy pack applying pressure, which eventually led to their third try, cutting the High School’s lead to 19-17.

The game was in the balance in the final moments. St Clement’s sensed victory was in their grasp. Following yet another turnover, the St Clement’s winger made a break from inside his own half and looked certain to score in the corner, but Rian Galko covered back to make a match-winning tackle.

The match swung in the High School’s favour and they found themselves back in the St Clement’s 22. A quick tap penalty gave Rian Galko the chance to score his team’s fourth try and put the result beyond doubt. The referee’s whistle brought an end to a great game of rugby.

High School replacements Jerome Phelan, Sean Delahunty and Conor Corbett came on for their Under 15 debuts and played very well. Credit is due to both teams for serving up an exciting match. The High School top their group, with two fixtures remaining away to Villiers and Glenstal.

The Clonmel High School First Years team who defeated St Clement’s by 20-10 in a friendly game played at Ard Gaoithe (Clonmel RFC) on Thursday last

First Year Friendly
High School CBS 20 St Clement’s 10
The High School First Year team played very well in this friendly against St Clement’s. The High School tries were scored by Enda Nolan (2) and Jerome Phelan (2).

This was a great team performance, with all panel members getting a game.

The High School team was: Christopher Sweeney, Tony O’Brien, Billy Cooney, Seb Hopkins, Jack Fitzpatrick, Nathan Gucwa, James Blanchfield, Patrick Normile, Patrick Lyons, Ali Mahoud, Calum Condon, Ben Tierney, Aaron Egan, Enda Nolan, Michael Maher, Jamie Cahill, Olan Doocey, Darragh Dempsey, Conal Morrison, Jerome Phelan, Sean Delahunty, Conor Corbett.

Upcoming fixtures:
Thursday November 24
Munster Rugby Under 15 Schools Blitz at Fethard Town Park.