Belvedere’s statement of intent
Thursday, January 30, 2014
2008 champions Belvedere College sent out a message of intent in Balbriggan yesterday afternoon, as first-half tries by Adam Foy and Josh Hutchinson provided the foundations for a comprehensive 28-3 opening round victory over Wesley College.
The Phil Werahiko-coached side broke the deadlock after 27 minutes, when scrum-half Foy charged down an attempted Wesley clearance before reaching over on the left-hand side.
This was followed seven minutes later by an excellent try, but although Conor Jennings converted both of these scores, a stoppage-time penalty from James O’Donovan did reduce the southside school’s deficit to 11 (14-3) in time for the interval.
They were left with an uphill task upon the resumption, however, and when full-back Sean McCullagh broke through for a third converted try mid-way through the half, the outcome was beyond doubt.
Having recorded back-to-back successes in 2010 & 2011, Clongowes Wood College are eager to reclaim their Leinster Schools crown, and yesterday they overcame Kilkenny College 32-15.
Unfortunately, the weather conditions played havoc with much of the action yesterday, as holders Blackrock College’s opening defence of their crown against CBC Monkstown (due to take place in Donnybrook) was postponed, while the Gonzaga College and King’s Hospital clash in Lakelands Park was also called off.
These fixtures will have to re-organised for a later date, alongside another encounter between Castleknock College and St Andrew’s College, after the two Dublin rivals played out a thrilling 15-15 draw at Cill Dara RFC.