RUGBY – FR GODFREY CUP FINAL: NAAS CBS 27 GOREY CS 25
McKevitt the hero for Naas CBS
Daire Walsh
JACK McKevitt’s stunning final-minute drop-goal helped Naas CBS to edge past Gorey CS at the end of a pulsating Father Godfrey Cup decider in Lakelands Park last Thursday.
Gorey looked set to prevail when Lee Cushe’s place-kick offered them a slender advantage, but McKevitt subsequently dissected the posts to give Naas the spoils in dramatic fashion. The south Kildare school enjoyed a dream start to the contest – Adel Mahmoud releasing Robert Shaw for an eighth-minute try.
Yet, Gorey responded through Jack Higgins and this was supplemented by additional scores from Colm Donnelly and Mark Kinch. Nevertheless, Andrew Osborne’s seven-point salvo ensured Naas were on level terms (17-17) at the break.
Although Donnelly’s second try edged the Slaneysiders back in front, Naas regained control thanks to Sam Dunne’s converted effort. Cushe’s first strike at goal on 51 minutes looked set to be a decisive one, until McKevitt stepped forward to make himself the hero of the hour.
Scorers – Naas CBS: A Osborne try, pen, 3 cons, R Shaw, S Dunne try each; J McKevitt d/goal. Gorey CS: C Donnelly 2 tries, J Higgins try, con, M Kinch try, L Cushe pen.
NAAS CBS: A Osborne; S Dunne, C Sheridan, O Cawley, E Clarke; J McKevitt, E Travers; C Stout, D McDonnell, A Mahmoud; P McMahon, R Shaw; j Carroll, M Alexander, O Kelly. Replacements: J Forde for C Sheridan (4), C Phelan for Stout (35), S Hughes for McDonnell (43), B Doonan for McMahon (45), J Sheridan for Dunne (57), A Brennan for Carroll (59).
GOREY CS: R Cleary; P Papin, B Cushe, S Campbell Carty, G McNulty; L Cushe, J Higgins; J Curley, D Fitzpatrick, M Kinch; K Barnes, C Donnelly; A Cleary, S Egan, E Stephens.
Referee: J Hollywood (LRR).