St Munchin's storm into Munster Schools Senior Cup final after thrilling semi-final win over Bandon Grammar

ST MUNCHIN’S College are through to their first Pinergy Munster Senior Schools Cup final in 14 years after defeating a highly-rated Bandon Grammar School 43-34 in a thrilling semi-final at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Wednesday afternoon.

Joyous scenes greeted the finale of what was a pulsating clash both sides showed their attacking prowess throughout, scorng some terrific tries.

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The focus now switches to tomorrow Thursday’s second semi-final between heavyweights CBC and PBC, but both St Munchin’s and Bandon Grammar showed that the quality of Munster schools rugby expands outside of Cork city in this wonderfully entertaining clash.

And it will be the Limerick school who will take on the winner of the clash between the ‘big two’ next month, at Virgin Media Park.

Scoring six tries, few will doubt the potential that Munchin’s possess ahead of a first Senior Cup final appearance since 2012.

Ryan Angley broke the Bandon Grammar line in the second minute to give the Limerick side early territory. After good ball retention over half a dozen phases, Brendan Minogue was inches away from scoring, but was stopped just short.

However, from the resulting attacking scrum, the pressure told and Angley crossed to open the scoring. Oisin Madden showed no early nerves when adding the extras to give the visitors a dream start.

Clever box kicking from Lewis Lenihan gave Bandon back some territory as the Cork school fought back from the set-back.

Initially the Munchin’s defence stood firm but eventually the pressure told and Jamie Hicks found himself in acres of space on the wing to collect a cross-field kick and touch down. Conor Smyth’s conversion levelled the game with 10 minutes played.

Just minutes later Bandon took the lead through a Smyth penalty before the pendulum swung back once again.

It was the captain Jack Meaney who finished from close range, using all his strength to bully his way over the line.

Such was the nature of this semi-final that Bandon hit back. Munchin’s defended admirably but after conceding a number of penalties were under the cosh. Eventually a lineout maul was too much to handle and after being camped in their own 22 for nearly five minutes, Adam Barry scored for the West Cork school.

Angley replied almost immediately with his side’s third try finishing a good move from Madden. However, the full-back got injured in the process of scoring and had to leave the field. Despite the set-back, Munchin’s held on to take a 19-17 lead into the half-time break.

Bandon started the second half on the front foot. But the defending from the Limerick men was heroic. Aodhan Brennan thought he had scored for Bandon but he was held up by a tag-team of Munchin’s defenders.

When the Limerick side got the ball back they made it count, winning a penalty with Madden slotted over to extend the lead to five. 

This sucked the life out of the Bandon side - and Munchin’s pushed on, extending the lead further when Michael Landers powered over the line.

Just when it looked like the Limerick side were in control, back fought Bandon. There was an element of luck in their third try, what was initially a poor passed bounced nicely for Eanna Burke who capitalised on the broken play to cross, reducing the gap to seven. With the momentum grasped, Bandon were soon level - Mark Whelton claimed a Garryowen to gain big territory and within four phases, Jack Deasy then touched down, with Smyth adding the extras.

Just when it looked like Munchin’s would have to hold on for the last 10 minutes, they punched back. In style. Brendan Minogue - nephew of the late Anthony Foley - used all his power to blast his way past the defence and over the line. 

Before the sizeable Munchin’s support could get too excited Burke got his second try of the half. Crucially though, Smyth’s conversion hit the upright, leaving the Limerick side two points clear with less than five minutes to play.

In a classic Senior Cup semi-final, the win was only sealed 60 seconds from time when Minogue pounced for his second try and Madded converted to give Muncin’s an unassailable nine-point lead.

Scorers: Bandon Grammar School:  Tries - Eanna Burke (2), Jamie Hicks, Adam Barry, Jack Deasy. Conversions - Conor Smyth (3). Penalty - Conor Smyth.

St Munchin’s: Tries - Ryan Angley (2), Brendan Minogue (2), Jack Meaney, Michael Landers. Conversions - Oisin Madden (5). Penalty - Oisin Madden.

BANDON GRAMMAR SCHOOL: Louis Dukelow, Michael Kennedy, Eanna Burke, Sam Barry, Jamie Hicks, Conor Smyth, Lewis Linehan; Jack Deasey, Adam Barry, Jonas van der Velde, Sean Dooley, Billy Giles, Aodhan Brennan, Mark Whelton, Matthew Buttimer. Replacements: Alexander Bramoulle, Billy Canniffe, Sean O’Callaghan, Dylan L’Estrange, Robet Collins, Scott Brady, Finn McCarthy, Georgie McNulty.

ST MUNCHIN’S COLLEGE: Ryan Angley, Paddy O’Driscoll, Brendan Minogue, Michele Delmont Ferrara, Evan Quinn, Oisin Madden, Thomas O’Brien; Bobby Meagher, Michael Landers, Conor Dillon, Callum McGrath, Cillian McGrath, Ronan O’Brien, Jack Meaney, Daniel Foley. Replacements: Darragh Mullane, Oisin Gleeson, Stephen Bissette, Sam McGlynn, Milo Keane.

REFEREE: Peter Roche (MAR).