2007/8 Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup Final

Presentation Brothers College 15-22 Castletroy College

Castletroy College created history by claiming their first ever Avonmore Milk Munster Schools Junior Cup title at Musgrave Park on Wednesday. The Limerick side defeated last years champions Presentation Brothers College Cork on a score line of 22-15 in what proved to be a thrilling final which saw flanker Michael Dooley score a hat trick of tries for his winning side.

Both sides set out their stalls early, with Castletroy winger Darren Nolan laying down a marker after three minutes with a successful penalty kick. Presentation Brothers College replied three minutes later, and got their scoring off the mark with a penalty scored by out half Eamon Mills, after a great break by hooker Dylan Malone. Castletroy took hold of the game and dominated for much of the half, however, despite positional advantage and the wealth of the possession, they were not able to convert their advantages into points. Full back Seamus Glynn came close to crossing the line 13 minutes into the game after a period of solid pressure from the pack, however some great defending by PBC saw him pushed into touch on the line. Three minutes later a Castletroy knock on close to the line alleviated the pressure for PBC, however Castletroy remained successful in keeping play well inside the PBC half. The try did eventually come for Castletroy, with talismanic No. 6 Michael Dooley getting the touchdown to put Castletroy 8-3 ahead. As half time approached a great break by PBC outhalf Eamon Mills rejuvenated PBC, with the resurgence finished in style after 29 minutes with a try just right of the posts by second row Greg OMahony, after some great work by Mills and centre Chris Bannon. Mills converted the try to put PBC 10-8 ahead at half time.

PBC continued the momentum generated before the break with a try by hooker Dylan Malone. Flanker Ross Caplice had almost crossed the line himself, however he managed to feed to Malone who grounded the ball, putting PBC 15-8 ahead. The sides remained close throughout, with Castletroy levelling five minutes later with a second try from No. 6 Michael Dooley, which Nolan converted. One of the real battles on the day was the ferocious contest between the two packs, who never flagged in their determination. After 49 minutes Castletroy were awarded a penalty which they chose to tap and go, only to be held up on the line. From the ensuing scrum, a wayward pass from Dooley to winger Stephen Droog didnt find its mark with the ball going into touch close to the try line. Castletroy however continued to push for the line, with some excellent defending by the Cork side. Michael Dooley breached the defence for his hat trick of tries after 53 minutes, breaking the stalemate to put Castletroy ahead once more with 22-15 on the score board. With minutes remaining on the clock, PBC needed a converted try to stay in contention and despite an massive effort all over the field, they couldnt get through the determined Castletroy defence who were not going to relinquish their lead without a fight. And fight they did. Both sides put on a superb display of rugby that proved hugely entertaining. Castletroy held on to win the game and claim their first Cup, which was presented to captain Neil Cronin by the Vice President of the Munster Branch Nicholas Comyn amidst scenes of jubilation from the Castletroy supporters.   

Presentation Brothers College

15. Seamus Glynn, 14. Michael OLeary, 13. Rory Cullinane, 12. Chris Bannon, 11. Brion OSullivan, 10. Eamon Mills, 9. Matthew Kelleher, 1. Brian Scott, 2. Dylan Malone, 3. Stephen Randles, 4. Greg OMahony, 5. Dave Hartnett, 6. Ryan Murphy (Captain), 7. Ross Caplice, 8. Adam Hudson

Replacements:

Eoin Power for Malone (39), Jack OCallaghan for Hartnett (39), Michael Russell for Kelleher (43), Fergal Dineen for Randles (47), David Horgan for Scott (53), Barry Fitzgerald for Caplice (56), Steve Dinan for Bannon (56)

Coaches: Peter Scott, Enda Ronan, Niall Murray, Brian OMeara, Richie Abbott

Castletroy College

15. James OSullivan, 14. Darren Nolan, 13. Greg Barrett, 12. Eoin Clancy, 11. Stephen Droog, 10. Andrew Fullen, 9. Neil Cronin (Captain), 1. George Egleston, 2. Eoin Murphy, 3. Conor Clancy, 4. Kelvin Reale, 5. David OBrien, 6. Michael Dooley, 7. Conor Bonfil, 8. Enda Carroll

Replacements: (none used) 16. Daragh OBrien, 17. Tadgh OSullivan, 18. John McDonnell, 19. Rowan Humphreys, 20. John Hourigan, 21. Barry Neville, 22. William Shanahan

Coaches: James Collins, Eamonn Mulcahy

Referee: Darragh McCormack (MAR)

TJ1: Ger English (MAR)

TJ2: Muiris Mahon (MAR)

Fourth Official: Bob Anglin (MAR)

Fifth Official: Olan McCarthy (MAR)