CBC set up semi-final duel with old rivals

SCHOOLS RUGBY: CBC 20 Ardscoil Rís 10 CHRISTIAN BROTHERS College, Cork advanced to a semi-final meeting against old rivals PBC…

SCHOOLS RUGBY: CBC 20 Ardscoil Rís 10CHRISTIAN BROTHERS College, Cork advanced to a semi-final meeting against old rivals PBC in the Munster Junior Cup after they had to battle all the way to overcome a brave Ardscoil Rís at Rathcooney yesterday.

Playing with the wind in the opening half, Rob O’Dowling put the Cork side ahead after four minutes when he touched down after great work by the pack. Despite being on the back foot for long periods tries by John McCarthy and Aidan McCarthy extended Christians lead to 15-0 at the interval.

A great foot rush by Ard Scoil Rís saw Colm Noonan touch down under the posts on 35 minutes and Luke McGrath converted. McGrath added a penalty shortly after.

Despite constant pressure by Rís, Christians lifted the siege with five minutes remaining; worked the ball up field and prop Rory Burke got in for their fourth try.

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CBC: N Griffin; J McCarthy, A Joyce, C O'Halloran, A McCarthy; D O'Riordan, E Geary; R Burke, C Slowey (capt), J Corbett, E Ahern, P Leahy; S Burke, R O'Dowling, M Lordon. Replacements: C Martin for Corbett (55 mins), T Moorehead for O'Halloran (60 mins).

ARDSCOIL RÍS: C Mulqueen; P Reidy, A Fitzgerald, D Carroll, E O'Callaghan; A O'Byrne, C Noonan; L Guinnane, D O'Shea (capt), C Glynn; C Power, R Houlihan, M Foley, L McGrath, E Kennedy. Replacements: P Kearns for Houlihan (half-time), J O'Connor for Noonan (57 mins), L McMahon for Fitzgerald and R Whyte for Mulqueen (both 60 mins)

Referee: C McTaggart (MAR)