Pinergy Munster Schools Boys Senior Cup Final Preview

Today sees to an intriguing contest in the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup Final at Virgin Media Park, with an all-conquering Presentation Brothers’ College side taking on a continually improving St Munchin’s team.

The Mardyke school already have a major honour under their belt as they won the prestigious NextGen Global Schools Challenge Premier Rugby Series in Spain before Christmas.

Both sides were drawn in Group A of the Group stage of this competition. Pres convincingly topped the group with maximum points, including an opening day victory over today’s opponents. Having lost their opening two games; Munchin’s recovered with two excellent victories to finish second to Pres’ and go into the semi-final qualifier.

There Munchin’s played city rivals Crescent Comprehensive College with a replay required to separate the teams. Today’s finalists seemed in control of the original game; with tries by Thomas O Brien, Daniel Foley and Evan Quinn putting them 19-7 in front but two late tries by Crescent saw the game end in a draw.

It was equally tight and tense in the replay. with Crescent taking an early seven points lead. A powerful carry by Conor Dillon saw him touch down, allowing Oisin Madden level the game with the conversion. Dan Foley again crashed over for what proved to be the winning score with Madden converting a 14-10 win

It was much less dramatic for Pres’ as they booked their semi-final place with a resounding 41-5 win over Bandon Gramer. Ronan Twomey led the way for the Mardyke school with a hat-trick of tries. They got four further tries courtesy of Tom Murray, Eddie Dooley, Alex Moloney, and a penalty-try off a scrum

Bandon Grammar rebounded in the competition to provide the opposition for the Corbally school in the semi-final. In a thrilling game that had a great ebb and flow, the Limerick side earned a superb 43-34 win.

Ryan Angley raced in for a brace of tries for the Limerick side while the powerful Jack Meaney and Michael Landers also made their way over the line. Madden kicked nine points by that stage, leaving the match tied at 29 points apiece heading into the final fifteen minutes.

Brendan Minogue was the hero on the day; with a late pair of tries either side of a score by the West Cork outfit to secure the victory. Both scores were converted by Madden.

The following day saw Pres’ earn an amazing and unprecedented 54-0 victory over age-old rivals Christians. PBC’s eight tries; three came from interceptions with Christians pressing, Bobby O’Callaghan nabbing two with Eddie Dooley also getting such a score.

Twomey added another try to his personal tally with Dan Murphy, Frankie Óg Sheehan ,Olan Healy and Alex Moloney also getting in on the try-scoring act.

Munchin’s may be underdogs but have consistently improved throughout the year; showing grit and determination and plenty of skill enroute in their bid to win the Cup for a sixth time. Pres’ will need to dig deep and battle hard if they are to go back on top of the honours list with their 33rd title.