Leinster Schools Senior Cup
Larkin and Joyce tries book Newbridge College a semi final spot
NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE…………………………………………………. 13
ST ANDREW’S COLLEGE……………………………………………….. 05
By DAIRE WALSH
First half tries from Brian Larkin and Mike Joyce were pivotal at Donnybrook last Tuesday afternoon, when Newbridge College held the edge over St Andrew’s College in the Leinster Schools’ Senior Cup quarter-final.
This means that Newbridge will now play their third consecutive semi-final in this competition, and with the hotly-fancied duo of Blackrock College and St Michael’s College making surprise exits at the last-eight stage, the race for the 2015 title is now very much up for grabs.
Like their south Kildare opponents, Andrew’s were beaten semi-finalists in 2014, and they enjoyed a productive start to their current campaign with a comprehensive 40-10 success over The King’s Hospital.
Newbridge were extremely accomplished during their opening-round triumph against Kilkenny College as well, though, and they broke the deadlock with just four minutes gone in the south Dublin venue.
When Newbridge were awarded a line-out on the right-flank, second-row Larkin brilliantly claimed Conor Johnson’s subsequent delivery, and proceeded to power over the Andrew’s line. Scrum-half Colm Doyle was wide of the mark from the conversion that followed, but with their Booterstown counterparts struggling to settle into the contest, Newbridge continued to assert their authority.
They held firm as Andrew’s made their initial surges into enemy territory, before eventually doubling their lead on 14 minutes. Joyce broke from deep and evaded several challenges to touch down on the left-wing.
This meant that both Newbridge locks had registered tries inside the first-quarter, and although Doyle’s bonus effort once again drifted past the posts, Dave Brew’s charges now had a solid platform to build on.
The concession of these scores deflated Andrew’s to a certain degree, but it also took the sting out of the game for the remainder of the half. The Dubliners did apply some pressure towards the Newbridge ‘22’ as the interval beckoned, but often found themselves coughing up possession to a determined opposing rearguard.
Indeed, Newbridge looked set to cross over at the tail end of the opening period, but captain Jimmy O’Brien’s pass to out-half Tim Murphy was adjudged to have gone forward.
They would have welcomed their ten-point advantage at the break, but when the action resumed, Andrew’s had an extra dimension to their play. Jake Howlett and Robert Buckley combined to halt Peter Sullivan’s gallop towards the line on 41 minutes, and despite losing Ben Ryan and Rian O’Flaherty to injury, the Andrew’s pack were beginning to make a major impact.
Newbridge managed to keep them at bay for a while, but when Ross Nicoll opted for touch from a 46th minute penalty, Andrew’s ultimately found a way to open their account. From the resulting line-out, Nick Hibberd was on hand to apply the finishing touches to a powerful maul.
This was throwing down the gauntlet to Newbridge, who were relieved to see Peter Sullivan falling short from his attempt at securing two points. Credit must go to Newbridge, however, as they responded effectively to this set-back by forcing Andrew’s on the back-foot once more.
A strong run by winger Ruairi Cleary after 51 minutes kick-started a dominant spell of possession for Newbridge, and they were presented with an ideal opportunity to extend their advantage four minutes later.
Doyle made up for his earlier misses by finding the range from a distance of 35 metres, and with the final whistle quickly approaching, Newbridge were in pole position for the win that they so badly craved.
Another strike at the upright from Doyle six minutes from time was wayward, but even though Howlett and Cleary missed out on linking up for a third try, Newbridge had done more than enough to ensure their progression.
Scorers for Newbridge College: Brian Larkin, Mike Joyce try each, Colm Doyle pen.
Scorers for St Andrew’s College: Nick Hibberd try.
NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE: Mark Delaney; Ruairi Cleary, Jake Howlett, Jimmy O’Brien, Colm Stapleton; Tim Murphy, Colm Doyle; Jordan Duggan, Conor Johnson, David Breen; Mike Joyce, Brian Larkin; Tom O’Neill, Robert Buckley, Patrick Ryan.
Replacements: Robert Culliton for O’Neill (55), Austin Mahony for Joyce, David Culliton for Howlett (both 70).
ST ANDREW’S COLLEGE: Joe McDonagh; Sean Ballance, Peter Sullivan, Gary Fearon, Simon Smith; Ross Nicoll, James Black; Ryan Bradley, Luke Judge, Rian O’Flaherty; Ben Ryan, Nick Hibberd; Zola Henry, Ben Nolke, Jonny Guy.
Replacements: Alex Waller for Ryan, David Wilson for O’Flaherty (both 38), Conor Sinnamon for Ballance (55).
Referee: Paul Haycock (Leinster Rugby Referees).