Dominant St Munchin’s claim Munster Junior Cup with emphatic win

A POWERFUL all-round performance saw St Munchin’s College claim the Munster Schools Junior Cup title, defeating Christian Brothers College, Cork 26-5 at Thomond Park on Wednesday afternoon.

The James O’Neill-coached side were full value for the success, dominating in the set piece and the better side at the breakdown.

After there was no separating the sides when they drew 12-12 three weeks ago in Virgin Media Park, there was no denying the Limerick side on this occasion.

While these two teams shared the title in 2020 when the pandemic caused a premature finish to the competition, it is the first time St Munchin’s have won the title outright since 2018.

For CBC, it is the fourth time in five years that they have lost the Junior Cup decider.

Both sides named the same XVs from the drawn clash last month.

Just like in their semi-final win over Bandon, St Munchin’s were strong in the set piece.

Hamza Awaga stole a line out just outside the CBC 22. The Corbally side played the ball through the hands before Jack Goode put boot to ball.

Goode’s clever kick was picked up by Oscar Madden, who touched down for the opening score.

The lineout was also key for the Limerick side’s second try.

A rolling maul got Munchin’s into the 22. From there, it took a few phases of knocking on the door before Awaga bullied his way over the line.

In control at 10-0, Munchin’s thought they had a third try - again coming from a lineout. 

A Goode 50-22 gave them territory and Phelim Hennelly won the resultant throw-in. After strong attack play, Madden crossed over, however, referee Michael Reidy spotted a forward pass in the build up.

As the heavens opened, CBC held strong in defence to ensure the gap stayed at 10 at half-time.

Munchin’s continued where they left off after the break earning an early penalty at the breakdown, with Goode making no mistake off the tee to extend their lead.

After Munchin’s overcame a 12-point deficit in Cork in the drawn game, they ensured CBC wouldn’t return the favour as Elliot Stokes crossed for his side’s third try to give Munchin’s an 18-point advantage.

With less than 10 minutes to play, Goode added another penalty to put his side in an insurmountable lead.

The icing on the cake was Awaga’s second try late on despite a late consolation try for CBC through Rory Barry.

After the disappointment of the heavy defeat in the Senior Cup final, a famous day for St Munchin’s.

SCORERS:

St Munchin’s: Tries - Oscar Madden, Hamza Awaga (2), Elliot Stokes; Penalty - Jack Goode (2).

CBC: Try - Rory Barry

TEAMS:

ST MUNCHIN’S: Oscar Madden, Alex O’Brien, Dara Giltinane, Cian Angley, Rory Jones, Jack Goode, Liam Kiely; Hamza Awaga, Caleb Crofton O’Riordan, Elliot Stokes, Phelim Hennelly, Darren Meaney, Aaron Cowhey, Charlie Doran, Anluan White.

Replacements: Paraic Landers, Noel O’Connor, Tristan Eales, Ashton Kenny, MJ Fitzgerald, Jack Byrnes, Caolan Pepper, Conor Tobin, Dean Siebert

CBC: Theo Murphy, Jack Singleton, Sean Riordan, Elliot Dawson, Rory Barry, Shea Lynch, Tiernan Murphy; Caleb Dockray Arundel, Odhran O’Farrell, Billy Hogan, JJ McCall, Jake Varley, Christopher Murphy, Charlie McElwain, Max McGrath.

Replacements: Tommy Kiely, Harry Hogan, Caonan McCarthy, Tom Dineen, Henry Hussey, Adam Lawlor, David O’Connor.

REFEREE: Michael Reidy (MAR).