In the Leinster Schools Senior Cup semi-finals, Blackrock College won over St Mary’s College with a sterling score of 54 to 10. The match, conducted at Energia Park on a Tuesday afternoon, was highlighted by Derry Moloney’s standout performance with a hat-trick. Niall Smyth, acting as Tighthead, secured a double while Charlie Molony, Tommy Butler and Brian O’Flaherty successfully gained one each, standing firmly against Jack Halpin’s solitary contribution for St Mary’s.
The game opened aggressively with Blackrock declaring their dominance within the first minute as their fullback, Molony skilfully evaded the St Mary’s defence for a striking start. This was swiftly followed with a lucrative conversion from Conor O’Shaughnessy.
However, Blackrock’s overeagerness in their counter-ruck strategy was their downfall as it led to a penalty from St Mary’s Cillian Jacobs at 40m mark. Blackrock continued their barrage of powerful runs showcased in their next attack, with Moloney further cementing their lead with a 12-3 score within the 9th minute.
Despite a yellow card penalty to Smyth, which provided St Mary’s with a potential advantage, they failed to capitalise due to high pressure from Blackrock. All the while, both Zach Hopkins and Evan Moynihan displayed tenacity with strong tackles.
As the match progressed, Blackrock maintained their game plan with key players like Donnacha Maguire, Butler and Jack Angulo in constant search for scoring opportunities. Thanks to Jack O’Neill’s resilience, their leads had the chance to position themselves better, with Smyth scoring a try converted by O’Shaughnessy for a comfortable 19-3 lead at half-time.
After the restart, St Mary’s land into further trouble due to ineffective handling which led to Moynihan’s short pass creating an opportunity for Halpin to score from a 45m distance. The game reignited with a spectacular conversion by Jacobs.
Nevertheless, Blackrock continued to display their dominance with their lineout marking a triumphant try from Butler leading to a conversion by O’Shaughnessy, bringing the score to 26-10 in the 39th minute.
Following Moynihan’s smooth, extensive kick for Williamstown school, they systematically advanced into the 22 where Smyth proved too mighty and powerful. This was coupled by a successful conversion by O’Shaughnessy. Despite the undeniable robust play, Blackrock showcased a picturesque try, attributing to fast and precise passing that allowed Moloney to awe with his footwork. O’Shaughnessy once more succeeded in his conversion.
Moloney’s third try was largely down to an unconventional pass from Paddy Clancy, with the substitute outhalf assuming the conversion responsibilities. The day concluded with an effortless finish for left wing O’Flaherty on the back of a maul that facilitated room on the short-sided for a successful conversion by Clancy.
A quick rundown of the scoring indicates that Blackrock’s D. Moloney had three tries, N. Smyth had two, C. Molony, T. Butler and B. O’Flaherty had one try each. C. O’Shaughnessy made five successful conversions while P. Clancy had two. As for St Mary’s: J. Halpin scored a try, C. Jacobs made a successful penalty and conversion.
BLACKROCK COLLEGE comprised of members including C. Molony, D. Moloney, C. Woodcock, M. Walsh on board. Replacements included L. Magee and L. Coffey. As for ST MARY’S COLLEGE, it was made up of J. Kelly, C. Maguire, Z. Hopkins and Captain E. Moynihan amongst others.
Substitutions were made with J Gannon coming on for Ewing, J Christle replaced Molloy, and D O’Shea took over from Power at the 45-minute mark. A Crawley substituted for Stronge, E Kenny filled in for Neary, and M Morrissey superseded Maguire at the 54th minute. Further changes were made at 64 minutes, with E Dillon chosen over Egan and S Thornton replacing Flaherty. The match referee was R Jenkinson from Leinster.
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