Sports Roundup March 15
TOP STORY
Good luck to Rachael Smyth and Mike Healion who compete in the All-Ireland Cross Country Championships in Cork this weekend. They have done extremely well to get this far and we wish them all the best of luck.
RUGBY
The Senior Seconds returned to their league fixtures after a long break with a trip to Terenure. Although the Seconds had two victories against this opposition in friendlies already this year, nothing was being taken for granted. A cagey start from both sides saw the ball remain between the two twenty-two metre lines and both sides giving up possession cheaply. Slowly the College found their rhythm but unforced handling errors meant they failed to convert this possession into points. With a try looking more and more likely though, Dan Tinsley received the ball on the left wing, 35 metres out, and headed for the line. With the line in sight but a cover tackler on the way, Tinsley made the right, and unselfish, decision to give the inside pass to the on-rushing Jake O’Connor who crossed the line to give the College a five point lead on 23 minutes. Ben O’Connor failed to convert for the extra two. Tenenure pressed and used a smart kicking game to gain territory. But the College defended well, including a textbook tackle from behind by David Scully, 15 metres out, to prevent what looked a certain try. Following a strong kick return from Darragh McConville and a great clean out at the ruck from Adam Murphy, the College were awarded a penalty on 27 minutes. O’Connor, however shot wide. With half-time seconds away Ronan O’Neachtain hit the post from a penalty and at the break the College led 5-0.
The second half saw the College start very strongly. With another kick return, this time by Murphy, Newbridge set a solid platform deep in the Terenure 22. An offload from Andy Cronin to William O’Brien was followed by O’Brien breaking a number of tackles to secure a five pointer for the College just 4 minutes into the half. Mark Crowe converted. Newbridge put their host under increasing pressure and put together some excellent phases of play. A number of scoring chance broke down just metres from the line, the best of which fell to Jake O’Connor who was unlucky not to score being brought down just a few strides short. The pressure would pay though. On 49 minutes Cameron Dempsey picked from the base of a ruck and crashed over the line from three out. This was followed by two Michael Brown tries on 57 and 61 minutes, the second of which saw a cheeky dummy switch with J O’Connor which drew the defensive winger off Brown and he strolled in from 15 metre to touch down under the posts. All three tries were converted by Brown. Terenure, however, never gave up and after putting together some phases they were rewarded as their pacey right-winger rounded the College defense in broken play to score. With the conversion missed the score was 33-5 with 65 minutes gone. The College replied to this score with a try of their own just one minute late. After some great work by the forwards the ball was released right and then left where, despite the attention of two tacklers, O’Neachtain managed to stretch to the line and score. Brown converted. But it would be the hosts who were to have the last say. A kick chase say the left-winger pick the ball and touchdown in the corner. With the conversion drifting wide the referee blew for full time and a result of 40-10 in favour of the College.
Other Results: Inter A 20 Roscrea 0; Inter B 53 Roscrea 12.
ATHLETICS
Look out for Rose Ann Galligan (a past pupil) who competes in the IAAF Indoor World Championships this weekend in Doha. Rose Ann achieved her qualifying time for the Worlds two weeks ago in Spain when she ran a personal best of 4 mins 12 sec for 1500m. This is an outstanding achievement and is testament to what hard work, talent and commitment brings. She is an inspiration to our upcoming athletes and sportspeople in the College. We wish her all the best!!
GOLF
Congratulations to our Junior Golf Team of Robert McGrattan-Brazill, Eoin O’Hehir and Conor Delahunty who won the Leinster Qualifying event in Portarlington G.C. last Thursday. They now go forward to the Leinster Final.
SEACHTAIN NA GAEILGE
Go raibh maith agat to Ethan Dowling for refereeing the 1st & 2nd year Gaelic football match and to Mr Evesson for refereeing the 5th v 6th year match. Well done to all participants. Congratulations to the 5th years who won their game 2-3 to 2-1. Maith sibh!