Provincial Rugby Roundup

On a quite weekend dominated by Cup competitions, Old Christians and Crosshaven lifted silverware.

A last-minute penalty by Cian Maguire earned Sunday’s Well a 24-22 win over St. Mary’s in the quarter final of the Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Cup at Virgin Media Park, in a game that went down to the wire. Playing with the elements in the opening half Mary’s led 15-14 at half time. Tries by Josh Costello, Evan Kennedy and Aaron Walker, all converted by Maguire saw the Well lead 21-15 with five minutes remaining, but the Saints struck with a converted try to lead by a point, until Maguire’s penalty earned the ‘Well a place in the semi-finals.

Abbeyfeale booked a semi-final spot away to Kinsale in the Junior Clubs Challenge Shield following their 28-21 victory at Castleisland. Jack O’Sullivan scored two tries and three conversions for the winners, Kevin Lane also got a try, and they were also awarded a penalty try. Thomas Conway, Joe Sheehy and Sean Nolan replied with tries for Castleisland and Sheehy converted all three.

Old Christians ended a fifteen year wait, as they lifted the Cork County Cup with a 24-12 win against Bandon in the final that was played at Lansdowne (CBC School Grounds). The winners raced into a 19-0 lead with tries from Jamie Hayes, Conor Kiely and Dan Kelleher, two of which Sammy Haberlin converted. Scott Kingston scored a try for Bandon jut before halftime. Niall McCarthy extended Old Christian’s advantage with his side’s fourth try and Kain Donnellan replied for Bandon late in the game and Daniel Coughlan converted.

Crosshaven won the O’Neill Cup for the second time in three seasons, when they defeated Youghal 14-11 in the final. Two yellow cards in the final minutes of the game saw a nervy Crosshaven side hold out for the victory. Jack O’Connell and Fergal Conway scored tries for Crosshaven and O’Connell converted both. Darragh Coleman was Youghal’s try scorer and Nathan O’Halloran added two penalties.