Christians win clash of Cork’s rugby schools

CBC Cork 13

PBC Cork 12

CBC qualified to meet Crescent Comprehensive in the Munster Schools Junior Cup final after a dramatic win over the holders PBC in an exciting semi-final at Musgrave Park yesterday.

Christians struck for the winning try just as the game was entering almost seven minutes’ injury-time when a cross-kick from outhalf and captain Eoin Monahan bounced kindly for full back Robert Hedderman to score.

A powerful Christians pack helped them dominate the opening stages, surging in front with a sixth minute try from flanker Ronan Barry. Monahan kicked a fine penalty 10 minutes later to stretch the lead before Pres hit back with a try from number eight Cathal Browne, expertly converted by James Broderick, three minutes from the break.

Despite facing the wind on the resumption, Pres jumped in front with a second try after 39 minutes, wing Ross Howell just making it to the corner following a determined burst.

Now 12-8 in front, Pres had to spend most of the remainder of the game defending frantically in their own 22 before Hedderman pounced for the decisive score at the death.

CBC: R Hedderman; C Shalloe, JD O'Hea, E Barrett, D Galvin; E Monahan, captain, C Sisk; L Masters, D O'Connor, R Loftus; E Doyle, A Ryan; R Barry, B Roche, F Burke. Subs: P Harrington for Loftus 44 mins, E Moloney for Barrett 50 mins.

PBC: S French; R Howell, J Wren, S O'Donovan, N McCarthy; J Broderick, D Harrington; K Nugent, L Ryan, M Varnam; M McCarthy, L Tarbatt; D Hyland, C Browne, C Fitzgerald, captain. Subs: C Ryan-O'Donovan for Nugent 53 mins, D O'Callaghan for Browne 55 mins.

Referee: S Kierans (MAR)