The clinical finishing of Blackrock was almost cruel to a very competitive St Andrew's in the Leinster Junior Cup at Donnybrook yesterday. The bigger St Andrew's forwards were always capable of rumbling into Blackrock territory, and had the menacing presence of their powerful centre, Darren Hayes, to test the fabric of the Blackrock defence.
Still, Hayes had to move to number eight before eventually breaking through for a 45th minute try. At this point, Blackrock were out of sight. They had scored tries from left wing Michael O'Sullivan, out-half Conor Sharpe and back rows Daniel Johnson and Colm Treston to lead 27-3. Blackrock closed out the game with a converted try from Peter Leonard, which only served to illustrate their ability to make the best of any half chance that came their way.
This is not an overly big Blackrock outfit. But it does possess an abundance of players with good handling skills and movement who know when to pass and when to run.
Blackrock College: P Leonard; D Kilty, B Canavan, G Creevy, M O'Sullivan; C Sharpe, T O'Leary; N Ledbetter, N Crowley, BJ Leahy, G Curry, J Tevlin, D Johnson, J Mannion, C Treston. Replacements: P Lindsey for Tevlin (28 mins), K Tanner for Ledbetter (30 mins), P McCormack for O'Leary (47 mins).
St Andrew's College: S Nicholson; J Daz, S Hayes-McCoy, D Hayes, David Nangle; B McDonald, A D'Eramo; R Mahon, P Ellis, C Grogan, M Minch, M Mansfield, N Ryan, R Dickson, D Lewis. Replacements: M Conway for Lewis (40 mins), Darran Nangle for Ryan (41 mins).
Referee: P Gray (ARLB).
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