SCHOOLS RUGBY / Munster Junior Cup semi-final / Ard Scoil Ris 13; PBC 3: Two tries from flying Ard Scoil Ris winger Paul Gleeson proved the difference in this absorbing Munster Schools Junior Cup semi-final at Thomond Park yesterday.
Gleeson's opportunism and searing pace were a delight on a bitterly cold afternoon, as Ard Scoil succeeded in reaching their third successive final in this grade.
It was heartache for Pres who contributed greatly to a fine game, displaying enterprising back play, but they couldn't convert possession into tries.
The Limerick college's pack, with Barry Sheehan, Ger Moore and Paul Clayton outstanding, provided a powerful platform.
A delightful pass from outhalf Dave Lynch found Craig McNamara in the seventh minute and quick hands from the full back picked out Gleeson for the first of his tries.
Kevin Kidney landed a penalty for Pres in the 14th minute but, on the turnover, Ard Scoil tightened up in defence. After Lynch landed a fine penalty in the 45th minute Gleeson pounced again on full-time, intercepting a Pres three-quarter move to run in from 40 metres.
ARD SCOIL RÍS: C McNamara; P Gleeson, A Henniger, C O'Brien, T O'Sullivan; D Lynch, C Moore; L Hayes, P Clayton, D Cantillon; F Manning, C Hyland; G Moore, J Deegan, B Sheehan (capt).
PBC: B O'Driscoll; R Desmond, K Kidney, S Zebo, C Desmond; C O'Flynn, G Nugent; B Cagney, P Kelleher, P O'Donovan; D Lucy, P O'Mahony; P Ryan, J McCarthy, B O'Hara (c). Replacements: M Collins for Desmond (36 mins); C Dennehy for O'Driscoll (inj, 55 mins).
Referee: R. Coughlan (MAR)
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