Munster Haka

Ronan Calvert reports from Thomond Park

 

 

St Munchin’s took on CBC in the 2018 Junior Cup Final in Thomond Park earlier today in what proved to be a schools rugby classic.

The stage for this game was set beautifully as the weather held up well and the two sets of supporters made for a raucous atmosphere long before kick off.

It was Munchin’s who took control early doors. Some varied attack followed by a brilliantly executed kick by scrumhalf Donnchadh O’Callaghan pinned CBC inside their own five metre line after just a couple of minutes. Christians eventually kicked clear but Munchins ran back at them with power and purpose, forcing the Cork men to concede a penalty right in front of the posts. Darragh Long struck it over with ease to make it Munchins 3-0 CBC before the ten minute mark.

CBC responded well. While their first prolonged attack of the game only resulted in a turnover, the visitors showed composure to retain possession for a ten minute period as strong carries from their backrowers proved particularly testing for the Munchin’s defence.

And such pressure eventually caused the Limerick side to crack.

As defenders became drawn to the CBC ball carriers, an overlap developed on the right wing and a few passes later fullback George Coomber was over for the game’s opening try. CBC failed to convert but now lead 5-3.

However, Munchins finished the half just as they started it. The forwards turned the screw with consecutive carries and at the end of some industrious work, second row Graham Kirwan found his way over for a try tight to the touchline.

HT: Munchin’s 8-3 CBC

Munchin’s again took the initiate in the second half. The teams were barely back out on the pitch when outhalf Alex Wood broke clean through to score an outstanding try for his side. Long converted to stretch the score to Munchins 15-5 CBC.

From there Munchin’s appeared to be comfortable as the Corbally men strutted their stuff with some lovely patterns of play. However, it wasn’t to be a straight-forward finale as CBC bounced back with a second try from George Coomber, leaving the scoreline at Munchin’s 15-10 CBC with five minutes left to play.

CBC huffed and puffed in pursuit of what proved to be an elusive third try, but Munchin’s held out to win their first Junior Cup in twenty years!

2018 Junior Cup Champions: St Munchin’s College.

FT: Munchin’s 15-10 CBC