Report from Irish Independent Park by Denis Hayes, photos by David Madden
CBC came into this game after a tight encounter with Munchins while Glenstal had a convincing win over Árd Scoil Rís. It was set up to be a very close and exciting game.
First half: CBC put the pressure on straight away and with some good rucking and phases they were over the line within the first 10 mins through Mark Donnelly. However, the Cork side’s kicker Billy Cane failed to make the conversion with a kick that was heavily influenced by the wind. Glenstal were a bit shocked at this point but worked their way back into the game.
From here, both sides seemed pretty even until CBC made a break, moved the ball quickly from a ruck out to the wing and having an overlap, Tommy Downes scored impressively in the corner.
Half time score: CBC 12-0 Glenstal
Both teams came into the second half knowing the next score would be crucial and Glenstal were the ones to get it, after a break from the CBC 22 saw Andrew Hogan run all the way through 2 CBC players before scoring in the corner. This was exactly what Glenstal needed for confidence and it was well converted by the try scorer also.
Glenstal went at the CBC defence again but the CBC defence stood firm and would not be broken through. The tackling was relentless from the home side but then it was Glenstal’s turn for a bit of defending. CBC had the Limerick side onon their own 5 metre line and after a good few tackles, Aidan Brien eventually bundled over. That was to be the final score of the game.
Full time score: CBC 19-7 Glenstal
Review: CBC will be thrilled with their performance and will deservedly look forward to a Junior Cup Final against Crescent Comprehensive. Glenstal should be proud of their young team after being written off by so many despite not quite achieving what they would have hoped to have on the day.
#MunsterHakaMOTM Matthew Soanes
Munster Haka 