The second round of the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup, the quarter final stage, is upon us.
There are four enthralling games in the coming days, as we see eight of Leinster’s top schools battle it out for a spot in the semi finals of the Cup.
By Ned Quigley, Irish Schools Rugby Correspondent
Game 1 – Terenure College vs Gonzaga College
Both Terenure and Gonzaga enjoyed comfortable wins in their first round games. Terenure ran in 9 tries against Kilkenny, Terenure were forced to be patient and trust their game plan as they were only 14 points up at half time, but their resilience and fitness stood to them as they unleashed their fury in a dominant second half performance. Terenure’s running rugby will challenge Gonzaga’s defence, Terenure’s backline looks dangerous with attacking threats coming from full back Geoff O’Sullivan and wing Ethan Balamash who both scored in the first round. Terenure boasts a physically intimidating pack that will look to suffocate Gonzaga, although they will be without starting flanker Luke McNiff who is replaced with Ollie O’Leary.
Gonzaga also had a significant win in the first round scoring an impressive 10 tries against Temple Carrig. Gonzaga will try and use their physical forward pack to bully Terenure as they did against Temple Carrig lead by number eight Josh Mulligan and flanker Tadgh Noone, who both imposed themselves on the temple Carrig defence. Gonzaga’s backs also pose a significant threat, out half Naoise Hillary Nolan was near perfect from the tee in the first round kicking 9/10 conversions, Centre Marcus O’Grady alongside fullback James Friel complete a dangerous attack.
Game 2 – Blackrock College Vs Presentation College Bray
Powerhouses Blackrock College are once again storming along on their charge to claim their 73rd senior cup title. They surpassed a tough test by Castleknock, who they beat by 15 points. Blackrock have a nice combination of brute force attack and smooth, running, rugby, and they used both to overcome Castleknock. Blackrock’s forward attack is bolstered by physical carries from Ben Geurin, Daniel Rogan, and Paddy Agnew. Scrum half Luke Coffey combines with out half Paddy Scally to lead the backline, centre Bernard White also adds a level of danger with dominant carries creating a platform for Blackrock to attack. Their impressive ruck speed allows them to move the ball out and tire the defence.
Presentation College Bray got a lifeline after it was deemed that St Gerard’s had played an illegible player in the first round, Pres Bray ensured they made no mistake the second time around, edging their fierce rivals by just two points. Pres Bray will take confidence in the fact that Blackrock conceded four tries in the opening round. Their attack is lead by Leinster U19 scrum half Sean McDonald who proved crucial in the replay scoring two tries. They will pride themselves on their defence who have conceded seven tries in the two games, but it is their backline that provides the real threat. Full back Robert Brennan Tkacz is secure under the high ball as well as a threat running from deep, the versatile full back also takes the place kicks, captain Marc Lawless leads the defensive line as he will hope to put in some heavy hits in the face of a BlackRock onslaught.
Game 3 – St Michaels College Vs Cistercian College Roscrea
St Michael’s College were pushed to their limits by a very versatile Fintan’s squad. Theywill need to ensure they retain the ball this week as struggles in the line out due to weather conditions made it difficult for them to mount an attack. Michael’s will aim to physically confront Roscrea with their size in the forwards, they successfully overpowered Fintan’s but too many errors prevented them converting. Out half Matthew McKenna leads St Michaels’ backline, and they look dangerous after their forwards tire the defence with relentless carries. Wing Eoin Loo is a dangerous threat with ball in hand. Michael’s defence stood to them against a Fintan’s team that refused to give up and they will aim to tire Roscrea off the ball.
Cistercian caused the biggest upset in the first round with a convincing 10 point win over Belvedere, who were one of the favourites. Roscrea’s defence was the point of difference as they held Belvedere to just 8 points, the Tipperary school will aim to smother St Michael’s forwards and prevent them from crossing the gain line. Roscrea will also target St Michael’s rucks after Fintan’s got continuous success from quick poaches on the floor, Roscrea’s backline is a force to be reckoned with, frontman Jack Hayes alongside out half Killian Hurley.
Game 4 – St Marys College Vs Newbridge College
St Mary’s got off to a strong start in the cup beating Clongowes by 7 points, and it feels like they have yet more to give. Marys’ physicality is one of the best in the tournament and they will hope to go through Newbridge. Captain Andy McGourain is a serious threat after scoring two tries in their opening fixture, and their defence is one of the best in the tournament. They will look to pin Newbridge in their own half, Joe Christal and David Kenny are the frontmen in defence continuously putting in dominant tackles.
Newbridge shouldn’t be taken lightly, they put on a sensational display to do come from behind continuously to beat Wesley. Their ability to switch the point of attack from set pieces poses a serious threat to any defence. Newbridge enjoy building up the phases in preparation to mount an attack through the backline, with big carries from their back rows, prop Jamie Bohan, and flanker Cillian O’Donovan will bring the physicality to their attack.
