PRESENTATION, Glasthule, and Kilkenny College have come up short of their own expectations in recent years in Section A of the Leinster Schools' Junior Cup. In this instance, in the semi final at Merrion Road yesterday, Kilkenny went in as favourites, Glasthule as underdogs in the quest for a place in Section B.
This tag seemed reasonable early on. Kilkenny's second row Justin Kidd forced his way over for out half Russell Armstrong to convert. Glasthule looked in more than a little bother as forwards Edward Young, Kidd and Kevin Stanley and half backs Richard Jones and Armstrong propelled Kilkenny forward. Gradually, however, Glasthule adjusted to the frenetic demands placed on them. But not before an Armstrong penalty stretched Kilkenny's lead to 10-0.
Glasthule out half Brian Keegan kicked a penalty after 21 minutes before right wing Paul James stepped in to intercept an Armstrong pass fully 60 metres from the Kilkenny line. James's natural pace carried him beyond the cover and under the posts. Keegan converted to leave the score 10-10 at the break.
With both sides having shown their relevant strengths, the second, half was all about who wanted it more. Of course, it didn't hurt, Glasthule that Keegan's tactical kicking was superb. His 34th minute dropped goal and 54th minute penalty were enough to snuff out Kilkenny's cup run.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)