With the first round over and done with, here’s an update on the state of play in the Munster Schools Senior Cup.
Taking their nod from their GAA brethren, the Munster Schools Senior Cup runs a back door system, giving teams a second shot at glory after defeat.
Four games constitute the opening round so while nobody is out, the pressure is on for everyone now with the safety net gone. Reigning champs Rockwell guaranteed themselves a home game in the next round with a 15-5 win over Crescent College. Tries by Rory Parata and Steve McMahon did the trick.
They will play Castletroy in the next round, after the Limerick school went down to CBC in a feisty affair at Annacotty. Christian Brothers Cork were down to 14 early on after Darragh Moloney saw yellow and then a player from each side, Rory Burke of CBC and Patrick Bermingham of Castletroy, saw red after a 30-man brawl.
In the end, CBC won 13-11, sending them on to play the losers of Ardscoil Ris and Glenstal Abbey at home.
That would be the Murroe boys as they lost heavily to Ardscoil Ris 39-6. Brion Moriarty (2), Robbie Bourke, Tony Cusack, Colin Ryan and Cathal Flanagan all crossed the line for the victors, condemning Glenstal to a tricky trip to Cork.
The reward Ardscoil get for victory is a match with St Munchin’s. The Limerick school lost an inter-city battle against PBC 11-3. Pres Cork have ex- Ireland and Munster player, and former pupil, Mick O’Driscoll on board as an assistant coach so maybe he did the trick, though the killer score came via Ben Murphy (main pic).
Completing the draw the losers Crescent must play the victorious PBC at Mardyke College. The games are down to be played over three days (February 19-21) and we’ll be back with more news after the games are completed.
