Clonmel High School Under 16s return to winning ways
Clonmel High School defeat Villiers School in Mungret Shield
High School CBS 51 Villiers School 17
By Eoin Brenner
High School Clonmel’s Under 16 rugby team welcomed Villiers School for the second round of the Mungret Shield. After a disappointing loss to Midleton CBS in round one, the High School were targeting an improved performance and a win and managed to deliver on both fronts.
The High School flew out of the blocks and had their first try within a few minutes, with Conor Foley touching down. All aspects of the High School’s game were well executed, with the effort from all involved a particular highlight. This relentless work rate paid off in spades, with excellent defence and ruthless carrying in attack allowing the High School to seize control of the game.
Four more tries were scored before the interval - one from Corey Norris Grogan and three from Ryan Lonergan. Jack Dillon converted two of these tries and Ryan converted a third to give the High School a comfortable lead at half-time.
To their credit, Villiers fought back strongly in the second half and refused to lie down. If the first half had been a superb team performance by the High School, the second half was an absorbing watch from a neutral standpoint, with both sides fully committed on the attacking and defensive ends.
It was an even contest in that second half, with Villiers scoring three fine tries and Corey Norris Grogan, Oisin Wall, Rory O’Dea and John Fogarty crossing to add to the High School’s tally and close out the win.
A strong team performance from all involved leaves the High School in a good place looking forward to their third and final group stage game.
Thanks are extended to coaches on the day John Dillon and Tommy Lonergan, to Clonmel Rugby Club for the use of their facilities and to Villiers for an exciting and sporting contest.
High School team: Conor Foley, Jose Da Silva, Daryl Williamson, Kiefer Shoer, Daniel Fahey, Oisin Wall, Corey Norris Grogan, Ryan Lonergan, Harry Swain, Jack Dillon (captain), Gerard O'Sullivan, Michael Fahey, John Fogarty, Ollie Connolly, Cullen Casey, Danny O’Brien, Kian Corcoran, Madalin Constantinescu, Rory O’Dea, Daniel Hogan, Jack Lynch, Charlie Fanning, Wiktor Kozdron.
High School coaches: John Dillon, Tom Lonergan, Eoin Brenner.
Under 19 Mungret Cup
High School CBS 24 Villiers School 17
By Brendan Mullan
High School CBS produced a good performance to withstand a dogged Villiers School in this latest Mungret Cup match in Clonmel RFC.
The home side opened their account after ten minutes when Mbekezeli Masuku touched down following sustained pressure from his team.
Villiers replied with a try of their own nine minutes later to tie the match at five-all.
Just before half-time, High School scrum half Alex Pyke found space in the Villiers defence to score under the posts. Jack O'Brien kicked the conversion to put his team 12-5 ahead at half-time.
The High School got off to the best possible start in the second half when Nathan Sukasuka and Tony O'Brien scored two quick tries. Jack O'Brien kicked one conversion to push the home side 24-5 ahead.
The High School pressed for further scores but a resilient Villiers defence held firm. Two further tries from the Limerick school reduced the High School's lead to 24-17 heading into the last five minutes.
The final whistle came as welcome relief to the Clonmel school, who should have been well clear at the end. Nonetheless, it was a good win for the High School and sets them up for their next match away to Midleton College after midterm.
High School: Olivers Skudrins, Nathan Sukasuka, Anthony Fitzgearld (captain), Darragh Dempsey, Cody O’Neill Crotty, Jack O’Brien, Alex Pyke, Mbekezeli Masuku, Sam Normile, Corey McKenna, Tony O’Brien, Dara O’Flaherty, Patrick Normile, Jack Fitzpatrick, Rory O’Dwyer, Sean Delahunty, Eddie Lawless, Bohdan Chumakov, Sean Callery, Jamie Cahill, Kaine Tobin, Conor Williams, James Blanchfield, Kyle O'Connor, Alex Lewandowski.
High School coaches: Brendan Mullan and Donal Foote.
Fixtures
Wednesday November 4 - Under 16 Mungret Shield High School CBS v Midleton College at Midleton RFC, 12pm.
Under 19 Mungret Cup High School CBS v Midleton College at Midleton RFC, 12pm.
Thursday November 12 - Under 15 McCarthy Cup High School CBS v St Ailbes CS at Collegelands Tipperary, 12pm.
Wednesday November 18 - Under 14 League High School CBS v Glenstal Abbey at Glenstal, 12pm.
Friday November 20 - Under 15 McCarthy Cup High School CBS v Thurles CBS, at High School 4G, 11am.