Late Keller drop goal puts Garbally through

Garbally College 11 Colaiste Iognaid 8:Garbally outhalf Simon Keller slotted a late drop goal to send the Connacht senior schools cup record winners into their first provincial final since 2007.

A pulsating encounter at the Ballinasloe college looked to be heading for a replay with the teams level at 8-8, but after spending much of the final quarter deep in Coláiste Iognáid territory, Keller clinched a spot in the decider with a sweet kick, five minutes from time.

In truth any other result would have been a travesty as the 44-time winners dominated for extended periods and took an 8-3 lead in at the break after a dominant first 35 minutes.

Padraic Óg O Maille had give the Jes a 3-0 lead with a third-minute penalty, but Garbally’s outstanding scrum-half Sean Horan drew the home side level with one of his own on 12 minutes, before his lively sniping run gave Jack Codyre and easy run in for a try in the 19th minute.

Jes, who last won the title in 2011, emerged a rejuvenated side after the restart and drew level in the 48th minute when lock Eoghan Hannon crossed after sustained pressure in the left corner.

But cheered on by a boisterous crowd, Garbally camped in their opponent’s half and after Horan missed two difficult penalty attempts, Keller slotted the drop goal to send Garbally into next week’s final against either champions Marist College or Sligo Grammar who meet tomorrow.