Blackrock College 50, Kilkenny College 7: Blackrock announced their intention of adding to their tally of senior cup titles with an impressive display at Naas yesterday.
The winners led all the way in a one-sided game. Their most impressive performer was full back John Harty, who virtually monopolised the first-half scoring. Harty scored five tries in the opening half with outhalf Conor Sharpe converting on three occasions to give Blackrock a 31-0 half-time lead.
Kilkenny had a significant setback 10 minutes after the restart when Conor Sharpe crossed the line after Blackrock recycled the ball three times. Their defence held out against constant pressure in the second half but Shane McClafferty eventually increased Blackrock's advantage to 43 points with a try.
Kilkenny eventually scored when Neal Patterson touched down, converted by Richard Gee, but minutes before the end Tom O'Leary got Blackrock's eighth try.
Scorers: Blackrock College - J Harty (five tries), C Sharpe (try, 5 convs.), T O'Leary and S McClafferty (try each). Kilkenny College - N Patterson (try) and R Gee (conv.).
Blackrock College: J Harty; B Canavan, K Copeland, T O'Leary, M Crowe; C Sharpe, C Willis; D Johnson, J Mannion, C Murphy, O Cullen, D O'Dwyer, S McClafferty, K O'Toole, C Treston (Capt.). Replacements: P McCormack for Willis, S Malone for Harty, P Lindsay for Mannion, N Crowley for Johnson, S Crowe for Sharpe, J Hartshorn for Murphy, B Scanlon for O'Dwyer.
Kilkenny College: G Cooper; P Lawrence, N Patterson, R Bergin, S Pratt; A Deverell, R Gee; H Deacon, J Cooper, J Fennell, R Hanbidge, P Ashmore, I Deverell (Capt.), P O'Connell, J Healy. Replacements: P McCorry for O'Connell, J Harper for Hanbidge.
Referee: R Doyle (Leinster Branch).
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