Leinster Schools Junior Cup Final
Comerford’s try proves crucial for Blackrock
BLACKROCK COLLEGE………………………… 8
ST MICHAEL’S COLLEGE………………………. 3
A first-half try from Niall Comerford proved key at Donnybrook yesterday as Blackrock claimed their fourth consecutive Leinster Schools’ Junior Cup title at the expense of St Michael’s College.
After a cagey opening the defending champions broke the deadlock after 16 minutes when winger Niall Comerford availed of a gap and raced through the heart of the Michael’s defence.
Unfortunately for Comerford, an injury picked up while securing this five-pointer ended his participation.
A penalty from St Michael’s centre Christopher Cosgrave in stoppage-time meant the Williamstown outfit’s lead had been reduced to two points (5-3) by the interval.
However, a routine penalty three minutes after the restart from David Fitzgibbon restored their ‘Rock’s five-point cushion. Cosgrave had an ideal opportunity to add his tally on 40 minutes, but although he produced a firm strike from 35 metres, his second effort at goal drifted wide of the posts.
This was a let-off for Blackrock, but with captain Gavin Jones leading by example, they eventually sealed their 50th junior crown by largely controlling possession.
Scorers: Blackrock College – N Comerford try, D Fitzgibbon pen. St Michael’s College – C Cosgrave pen.
BLACKROCK COLLEGE: R Barron; N Comerford, T D’Arcy, G Jones, B White; D Fitzgibbon, C Rolland; D McKeon, B Wallace, L Mion; J Corless, C Duffy; S O’Brien, J Loscher, E Brennan.
Replacements: R O’Farrell for Comerford 18 mins; K McQuaid for O’Brien h-t; T Handrick for McKeon 58 mins.
ST MICHAEL’S COLLEGE: M O’Brien; A Smith, C Cosgrave, C McGettigan, Z Harrison; N Carroll, R Gilsenan; J Boyle, L Barron, J Toland; J Fish, L Dunne; W Hickey, M Hernan, B Gannon.
Replacements: H McGovern for Toland 34 mins.
Referee: G Glennon (LRR).