BELVEDERE COLLEGE showed bottomless reserves of character in coming from behind to end Terenure College's Leinster Schools Junior Cup ambitions in this quarter-final tie at Donnybrook yesterday.
On 11 minutes, Belvedere fullback Niall Murray struck a 25 metre penalty. Terenure responded admirably, however, with outhalf Gareth English converting a penalty from under the Belvedere posts. Then, English put his side in front as the winners encroached at a line-out.
Moreover, as Belvedere moved the ball wide inside the Terenure half, an alert Justin Cazabon took a chance. Stepping in between man and ball, he intercepted to race fully 70 metres to the right corner.
However, following the change of ends, Terenure were soon in for a short sharp shock. Just three minutes in, Belvedere fullback Niall Murray carved out the initial opening. Just when the attack seemed to be quelled, second row Cathal Kelly crashed over. It was all the inspiration Belvedere needed.
Back came Belvedere again to create and to execute a try of the highest calibre. Outhalf Donal Crotty's cross-field kick took an unkind bounce. Donal O'Flynn, the smallest boy on the pitch, fielded wonderfully. Flanker Ken Lloyd drove on and presented quick ruck ball. Backs and forwards combined to send captain Andrew Cullen through for the crucial score which Murray converted and Belvedere were suddenly 15-11 ahead.
In a nail-biting climax, Murray and English kicked a penalty each.
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