First try proves crucial in Nenagh Cup success

RUGBY: Munster Schools Under 19 O’Brien Cup Final

 

Nenagh CBS 28

Patrician Academy, Mallow 28

(Nenagh win on first try scored)

 

Nenagh CBS' senior rugby team were crowned Munster Schools O'Brien Cup winners following a dramatic victory over Patrician Academy, Mallow in UL last Thursday.

With the sides level at the end of eighty gripping minutes, Nenagh were crowned champions having scored the first try which was tough on the losing Cork side.

Both teams had come through the earlier rounds fairly easily but knew that the final was going to be a tougher test.

Mallow kicked off into a slight wind and both teams set about their work with a high level of ferocity but also displaying great skill. Mallow were very fired up and gave away a number of early penalties which allowed Nenagh to get good field position. Some good work from James Finn and Conor McMahon set John O’Meara away down the left, he was tackled short and after a few carries by the forwards, Darragh Tucker dived over for the first score of the game. Conor McMahon converted the try and the CBS led 7-0.

Mallow came straight back into the game and put on a lot of pressure. A mix up in the CBS midfield resulted in a dropped ball and Mallow pounced, kicking it through to score under the posts. The try was converted for 7-7.

The game ebbed and flowed with both teams defending well. Nenagh managed to get a foothold in Mallows half after a break from Dylan Murphy and follow up from Peter Rainsford and James Meagher. Conor McMahon found some space and powered over for a try, which he converted to take a 14-7 lead.

 

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