PLAYER REACTION
Stapleton praised by team mates
By Daire Walsh
AS survivors from last year’s Leinster Schools Senior League triumph, Friday night’s victory over Cistercian College Roscrea was extra special for Newbridge College duo Jimmy O’Brien and Jake Howlett.
O’Brien is the team captain for the current campaign, and when Daniel Keane scored Roscrea’s third try in second-half stoppage-time, he admits that he wasn’t aware that it would prove to be the final attack of the contest.
“My heart was in my mouth. I was the one covering for that last try when they got in. I didn’t know how much time was left, but I’m just delighted that we won and came out on top,” the out-half commented.
Amongst several major performers for Newbridge in the game, winger Colm Stapleton’s two tries had a significant bearing on the final outcome. Stapleton had previously lined out in the back-row at Junior Cup level, and O’Brien feels that his progression in the past few years has been remarkable.
“He [Stapleton] was a flanker at Junior Cup. I didn’t know how good he was going to be, but he’s come on so much and then he’s scored two tries in the final. Man of the Match there. If we didn’t have him we wouldn’t have won.”
Newbridge will be primed for the opening round of the Leinster Schools Senior Cup following this success, but O’Brien is adamant that they can’t allow their standards to slip.
“Well we can’t let it go to our heads. It will be a tough test. We played them [Kilkenny] in a quarter-final and we only beat them 6-0 at home. They’re a quality team with big physical lads.”
Howlett also played his part in a memorable win for his school, and like the influential O’Brien, the outside centre was fulsome in his praise for Stapleton – who he sees as one of the players to watch out for in the upcoming Senior Cup.
However, he also acknowledged the part that the entire squad played in securing the silverware, and the fabulous team unity that they have showcased throughout the competition.
“He [Stapleton] is a very dynamic player. Very skilful. Colm took over from 7 all the way out to the wing. The speed he has, he’s a very, very good player. One to watch.”
“Everyone worked as one. We stuck to the game plan, we kept it simple. We worked as a team, defended as a team and attacked as a team. We pulled out the win in the end.”
In the week’s leading up to the Kilkenny clash, Newbridge are certain to examine the strengths and weaknesses of their cup opponents. Yet, they are also aiming to concentrate on their own game plan, which is something that the coaching staff drill into the squad.
“Kilkenny are going to bring it to the table. We understand that, but we’re trying to stick to our plan and play as a team and as one. Credit to our coaching staff as well, they’re brilliant. They really do hammer it home for us. Hopefully we’ll have a good cup campaign and all being go well,” Howlett added.