NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE reached the final of the Leinster Schools' Senior Cup for the first time in over a quarter of a century at Lansdowne Road yesterday. And the celebrations after a 21-16 win over their Co Kildare neighbours Clongowes Wood were in keeping with so notable an achievement.
One left the ground with a warm glow after witnessing this superb semi final, yet with some regret that it did not end in a draw so that we might have the privilege of seeing another match between these keen rivals.
These fine teams gave us a match of great substance and one marked, too, by quality in some individual performances and the refusal of Clongowes to capitulate when faced with an interval deficit of 15-3 having played with the benefit of the cold wind.
The fighting qualities of successive Clongowes teams have embellished this competition through the years. This time the distinction of reaching the decider yet again proved outside their range, but they put up a tremendous fight.
Yet it must be stated that, on a very fine balance, Newbridge just about deserved to prevail - if for no other reason than for the depth of their first half performance and the manner in which they survived in the face of Clongowes' determined endeavours in the second.
Newbridge last reached the final in 1970 but, to their credit, the long wait to bridge that gap did not inhibit their approach to the game.
The only element of regret they will carry from the day was an injury sustained by their prop forward David Kelly. That came shortly before the end of the match and there was a 10 minute hold up while he received attention for a neck injury. Fortunately, he is not seriously injured but was taken to hospital as a precaution.
When he was carried from the field, Newbridge led by five precious points and were pinned inside their own 25. But they defended their advantage in the minutes that remained and they needed all their resolution to do so.
The man who emerged as Newbridge's match winner was out half Geordan Murphy. He contributed 16 points, varied his game, and his kicking from hand and with the placed ball was excellent. He also scored a great try after blocking down a kick. He gathered the ball and his pace and dedication of purpose enabled him to score in the right corner. He then crowned that fine effort by converting from the touchline into a fitful wind.
If there is better than him in the position in the competition, I have not seen him. He formed a great half back partnership with James Ferris, a scrum half of rounded skills and perceptive judgment. His passing was excellent and his ability to break at pace caused Clongowes some problems. The pace of full back, Paul Noble was another important factor for Newbridge.
The Clongowes half backs, too, Bobby Quigley and Ciaran Finane, served the cause admirably, left wing David Hourihane made some determined runs and centre Shane Whelan revealed nimbleness and adroitness of foot.
The forward battle was a captivating struggle with Peter Callanan outstanding in the line out for Clongowes and Jonathan Downey and Cathal Whelehan good ball winners for Newbridge. Team captain John Hogan was another very assiduous worker for Clongowes.
Newbridge had the better of matters up front initially but Clongowes got to grips with them and, as is their wont, rucked and mauled with tremendous effect.
It was Murphy who struck the first blow for Newbridge with that try in the 16th minute and his conversion left his side seven points clear. Hourihane kicked a penalty to reduce the deficit before Murphy kicked a great goal from a wide angle on the left. Then just before half time Downey forced his way over the Clongowes line after Whelehan hag won a line out. Murphy missed the difficult conversion.
Twelve points in arrears, Clongowes fought back and Whelan scored a fine try six minutes into the second half after good work by full back Gordon D'Arcy. Hourihane converted.
When Finane dropped a goal in the 11th minute of the half, Clongowes had cut the deficit to two points and the stage was set for a great finish.
Two penalties from Murphy edged Newbridge 21-13 ahead but Hourihane then kicked a beauty from 45 yards with 11 minutes remaining to leave Clongowes just five points adrift.
Newbridge survived the ensuing Clongowes assault if only barely and will now meet Blackrock in the final.
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