Michael’s see off Belvo to get up and running
Leinster Schools Junior Cup
Daire Walsh
St Michael’s College got the defence of their Leinster Schools Junior Cup off to a successful start at Donnybrook yesterday as they recorded an 18-12 triumph over Belvedere College.
The Ailesbury Road outfit produced a stirring comeback to overcome Blackrock College in last year’s decider – securing their fifth title at this level. They are also the reigning Senior Cup champions and are once again expected to be in the shake-up for top honours in both competitions.
Fly-half Mark Canniffe played a pivotal role in steering Michael’s towards an 11-7 interval lead in yesterday’s game. He then dotted down on the resumption to give the holders breathing space.
A determined Belvedere fired back with a late try, but it wasn’t enough.
Meanwhile, Newbridge College came from behind against St Gerard’s, Bray at Templeville Road to book their own spot in the last-eight. Despite claiming a try through Andrew Carroll, the south Kildare outfit found themselves staring into a 12-5 interval deficit.
Semi-finalists in 2019, Harry Farrell’s unconverted try on 43 minutes left Newbridge within touching distance of their Wicklow counterparts. Facing into a strong breeze, Newbridge pushed relentlessly for additional scores. Their persistence eventually paid off in the final-quarter – Tadgh Brophy crossing over for a game-clinching effort.