Johnson's tries cap Blackrock display

BLACKROCK'S much vaunted "dream team" turned this Leinster Schools Senior Cup first round clash into a nightmare for beleaguered CBS Monkstown, at Donnybrook yesterday.

Blackrock left wing David "Magic" Johnson proved CBC's nemesis, plundering a hat-trick of touchdowns in a five try haul. All three - one in the first half and two in the second - were similar in execution, with quick handling inside giving Johnson the opportunity to reveal his undoubted pace in swerving outside his direct opponent, Jamie Tallon.

Number eight Leo Cullen started the first half deluge when he took two handed at a line out five metres from the Monkstown line. Following a powerful maul it was Cullen himself who emerged from a ruck of players to claim the try. A seventh minute penalty from centre David Quinlan and a delightful dropped goal from outhalf Neil O'Donovan, whose tactical kicking became increasingly wayward as the game wore on, were followed by a Keith Murphy try converted by Quinlan.

This was a carbon copy of the first. Except this time second row Robert Casey secured possession out of touch, with the tigerish Murphy driving on to Casey and eventually wrestling the ball to ground over the Monkstown line. That made it 18-0 after 20 minutes.

Good work from O'Donovan, Quinlan, and fullback Tom Keating persuaded Johnson to show the first glimpse of his pace with Quinlan converting before two Quinlan penalties closed out the scoring in the first half, with Rock 31-0 up and looking hungry for more.

Monkstown were totally overrun in that first half but as Blackrock surprisingly eased off, CBC came more into the game. After Johnson's second try, Monkstown second row J P Finlay steamed over from a tap penalty, close to the Blackrock line to send the Monkstown supporters delirious. As the stand became a sea of red and yellow bodies, several young boys were caught up in a dangerous looking crush. Obviously over crowding is an issue that should be addressed at Donnybrook especially for schools matches.

However, as if to remind CBC who was in control Blackrock created Johnson's third try and with it left a deep impression most in the attendance, with their fans chanting "62" - as they seek to add to their 61 cup titles.