Leinster Schools Senior Cup: Cistercian College, Roscrea 17 Blackrock College 14

Dylan Murphy was the hero at Donnybrook yesterday as his last-gasp try helped Cistercian College shock holders Blackrock College in the Leinster Schools’ Senior Cup quarter-final. Roscrea played with intensity during the early stages and even though captain Tim Foley was off-target with an opening penalty, flanker Matty Keane crossed over from the subsequent attack to give Roscrea a surprise lead. Foley was again wide with the conversion, though, and ’Rock inevitably opened their account through hooker Hugo Kean, winger James McGowan converting. Just past the half-hour mark, Kyle Dixon put his centre partner Gavin Mullin through for another converted score.

This meant the holders led 14-5 heading into the second-half, which began with the Williamstown school in control. However, Roscrea stood firm and, after capitalising on a 48th minute ’Rock error, out-half Alan Tynan, touched down.

Roscrea found their confidence again and for the remainder of the game were camped in the Blackrock half. When No 8 Dan Trayers was twice held up just shy of the line it looked like ’Rock might live to fight another day. But Roscrea and Murphy had other ideas and, from the final play, the tighthead prop finished off a line-out maul to dethrone the 68-time champions.

Scorers for Blackrock: H Kean, G Mullin try each, J McGowan 2 cons.

Scorers for Cistercian College: M Keane, A Tynan, D Murphy try each, T Foley con.

BLACKROCK COLLEGE: S Kilgallen; T O’Brien, G Mullin, K Dixon, J McGowan; C Dean, P Patterson; M Reidy, H Kean, R Mouatt; D Mullane, V Mantegazza; R McMahon, J Fairley, C Doris.

Replacements: R McMahon for Mullane (12), J Fennelly for Dean (25), C Ryan for Fairley (58), E Burns for Mouatt (66).

CISTERCIAN ROSCREA: T Carroll; S Kilgallon, R Wharton, T Foley, D Keane; A Tynan, K Kavanagh; L Walsh, E Maher, D Murphy; F Wycherley, A Browne; S Meagher, M Keane, D Trayers.

Replacements: B Diffley for Meagher (49), K Cahir for Keane (54), P McKeon for Browne, J Murphy for Wharton (both 62).

Referee: S Gallagher (Leinster).