O’Connor powers ‘Rock forward

BLACKROCK COLLEGE 31 CBC MONKSTOWN 3

Tries in either half from powerhouse No 8 David O’Connor set the foundations in Donnybrook as Blackrock College got the defence of their Senior Cup title off to a perfect start with a commanding win over CBC Monkstown.

A rematch of last year’s decider against St Michael’s College is now on the horizon in the quarter-finals.

Having endured a shaky start, Blackrock broke the deadlock courtesy of a 13th-minute try from O’Connor and, with out-half Sean Kearns contributing five points from his trusty right boot, ‘Rock took firm control of the game.

A persistent Monkstown finally opened their account with a three-point effort from full-back Ben Mahon after 19 minutes, but thanks to further converted tries from captain Nick Timoney and Cian O’Dwyer, the 67-times champions held an unassailable 24-3 cushion at half-time.

O’Connor grabbed his second try 13 minutes into the half, supplemented by Kearns’ fourth conversion, as an impressive Blackrock easily secured their progress.

BLACKROCK COLLEGE – J Power (O Brady 68); Z O’Hagan (J Cullen 56), J Carberry, I Kinsley, H Keenan; S Kearns (C Dean 54), T Brady; D Fitzpatrick (M Reidy 69), H Kean (J Horan 64), J Loughman (R Casey 69); C O’Dwyer (J McGowan 68), J Dwan (E Fanning 54); C Doris, N Timoney, D O’Connor.

CBC MONKSTOWN – B Mahon; S Doyle (A Byrne 70), H Godson-Treacy, J Toale, S Smyth,; C Cullinane, E McCabe (S Sweeney 66); K Patterson, C Cunningham, C McDonnell (C Bryden h-t); M McGrath (T O’Callaghan 64), E Comerford (J McAteer 70); J McGrath, J Halwax (D Hanney h-t), A Conroy-Lennon.

REF – K Beggs (Leinster Rugby).