RIGHT IN THE NICK OF TIME!
Blackrock 22
Clongowes Wood 17
LEINSTER SCHOOLS’ SENIOR CUP FINAL
Nick Timoney cemented his place in Blackrock College folklore at the RDS yesterday, when his 63rd minute try earned them a gripping Leinster Schools’ Senior Cup final win.
Despite being under the cosh for much of the opening period, Clongowes had managed to soak up much of the pressure, but their line was finally breached by flanker Conor Oliver on the half-hour mark.
Kearns’ subsequent bonus kick was secured in superb fashion, and he also added two points to his personal tally three minutes after Jack Power’s magnificent break enabled Hugo Keenan to register his side’s second try of the contest.
Boost
Alan Hughes’ penalty just shy of the interval gave Noel McNamara’s charges a much-needed boost, and when TMO Brian McNiece gave the go-ahead for referee Gary Conway to allow Fergal Cleary’s touchdown two minutes after the restart, they were firmly back in it.
They then proceeded to turn the tie on its head when Cian O’Donoghue raced through to touch down.
However, seven minutes after Kearns had restored parity with a routine three-pointer, Timoney broke Clongowes hearts with a powerful pushover score to set up the win.