CISTERCIAN COLLEGE ROSCREA have made history and claimed the Leinster Schools’ Senior Cup for the first time by beating Belvedere College 18-11 in an absorbing final at the RDS.
A try from winger Daniel Keane was a second-half turning point but the shooting accuracy of captain Tim Foley proved a big difference too.
The opening period was tight but the Dublin college dominated the early exchanges and they took the lead within the opening ten minutes when scrum-half Hugh O’Sullivan made a superb sniping run and then found winger Sean Long who touched down.
Still, Roscrea responded well and after Foley landed a penalty to cut the deficit, it was the much-heralded number eight Dan Trayors who grabbed a try for the underdogs after a 5m scrum had Belvedere under pressure, though Foley missed the subsequent conversion.
But Belvedere ensured the sides were level at the break when Conor Jennings made up for an earlier penalty miss and slotted a later kick between the posts. 8-8 at the interval, everything was perfectly poised.
Again it was the side from the capital that began brightly and they got their just rewards for the early pressure when Jennings knocked over his second penalty of the afternoon to push them three points in front.
Roscrea, however, weren’t going to stumble under the spotlight and when full-back Tim Carroll broke superbly, it was Keane who followed in support and raced to the line to give his side a four-point advantage with less then twenty minutes to go.
The pressure continued from the guests and when an attempted drop-goal was blocked, play was brought back for a penalty. Up stepped Foley once again and stretched Roscrea’s lead to seven points.
A converted try behind, Belvedere mounted a spirited siege on the Roscrea line and came within inches of grabbing an all-important score. But the Midlands’ outfit stood firm, dug in their heels and offered up some immense defensive work.
In the build-up to the game, Roscrea coach Pieter Swanepoel said that his team needed to change history. And at the fifth time of asking, they’ve managed to do just that.
Cheap for his quality can’t go wrong signing him..
A new wheel for the bus
second only to city last season for PL goals scored and top of all the English teams for goals scored in all competitions. it must be a pretty attacking bus!
Oh I never said it wasn’t a nice bus. It’s a very effective bus.
Never heard that one.
He chose the best option, wouldn’t win anything with United
Nor with your Aresnal.
Sanchez > 5 pedro’s
Alex ox Chamberlin > depay. My Persian opinion ox has more potential
The OX he can’t even make the England team haha Does he even start for Arsenal?
Chamberlain is unbelievable. I remember a few seasons ago United couldn’t handle his pace and skill. He is better than any young winger in the PL, with way more ability and experience than Depay or Sterling
On occasions he starts, we’re overrun with talent in that area so it hard to get a look in. When he does come on or start he is unplayable. Arsenals future
Overrun with talent yeah haha did he get rested against West Ham then?
So he a good game a few years back against United.. Must be Arsenal best player then..
He is quality in every match he plays, and doesn’t turn into a bitch when he is used as a sub. Great attitude, great work rate, fantastic talent and an overall top lad that’s down to earth.
You slate him because he doesn’t play for the team you support. If he was fit and played against Ireland in the English friendly instead of Sterling we would have been tanked
I think he’s a fantastic player but isn’t being given the opportunities
Very highly thought off so.. Do u think Arsenal will be able to keep hold of him? That Southampton academy is amazing to be fair..
Of course we will hold onto him. Sure United is shite these days, and Chelsea and City don’t value young players, they only destroy them with money
Aresnal are currently below United in the table. What’s that I hear, no comeback? I win.
Arsenal are above United, nice try though
And we’ve played two of the best teams already
Ya Sean he was , what year was that though , 18 , 19 or 20th title year.
What are you smoking Sean? United have 6 points, Arsenal have 3. Ye have played West Ham and Crystal palace.
Big step up for you this year, 4th class is tough. Make sure you get a uniform about 2 sizes too big if you want it to last the year.
I’m not sure Chelsea needed him but probably took a bargain when it became available.