Marist juniors romp to victory in muddy mismatch
Rugby: Connacht Schools Junior 'A' Cup semi-final
Marist College 57 St Joseph's 0
Marist College produced a highly impressive display to claim a comprehensive victory over St Joseph's Patrician College of Galway in this Connacht Schools Junior 'A' Cup semi-final yesterday (Wednesday).
In a match played in very challenging conditions with rain falling at the Marist grounds almost throughout, the home side built an unassailable half-time lead of 36-0.
Marist crossed the St Joseph's line six times in the first half and three further tries followed in the second period, one of which was a penalty try.
Excellent winger Andrew Cotton scored three tries, also kicking five conversions, while Philip Finnan (two), Darragh Murray, John Finnan and Alex Connor also breached 'The Bish' try line.
Overall, the Athlone side had far too much physical strength and pace for their Galway opponents in what was a one-sided affair.
Having consulted with both sides' coaches, referee Mark Callanan sensibly decided to call a premature end to the game. With the outcome long since decided, the safety of players in the deteriorating conditions was the prime factor in the decision.
Indeed, conditions were so mucky that after a while only close relatives would have been able to recognise some of the players as they were simply caked in mud.
The Marist showed their intent from the start, launching an attack which featured several players getting their hands on the ball. The early pressure resulted in a second-minute try for fleet-footed full-back Philip Finnan in the right corner.
Although Andrew Cotton missed the difficult conversion, the same player made the incision for the second try, scored by fly-half Darragh Murray. This time Cotton nailed a far easier conversion and he soon helped himself to a try, after great work from lock forward Peter Bourke on the left and Philip Finnan when play was switched to the other side of the muddy field.
The Bish players were struggling with their handling of the slippery ball, with determined Marist tackling also a factor in their struggles. Another blow for the visitors was centre Daniel Walsh being forced off with an injury.
A great break by Marist centre Darragh Glennon led to Finnan's second try, with Cotton adding a straightforward conversion for a 24-0 lead.
The Bish's best chance of a score thus far came when out-half Oisin O'Connell punted a penalty into a promising position in the left corner. But they failed to secure possession from their own lineout and the Marist cleared the danger. At the other end, John Finnan went over after a quick tap penalty (25th minute) as the overworked Bish defence creaked again.
In the last minute of the 30-minute half, Marist wing Alex Connor crossed for a terrific individual try, giving his side a lead of 36 points at the interval.
Shortly after the resumption, Cotton grabbed his second try after good work from Oisin O'Donoghue and Murray, with Cotton adding the extras.
A penalty try followed when Peter Bourke's powerful surge towards the line was ended by what was adjudged to have been a high tackle by Harry Healy, who received a yellow card and was therefore sin-binned.
With Marist coaches Mick Loftus, Tony Dolan and Conor Galvin understandably opting to bring on several substitutes, a neat pass by O'Donoghue set up the final try with Cotton going over for his third. Cotton kicked the conversion to complete the scoreline.
Yellow cards were shown to St Joseph's prop Mercy Victoire Monga and the Marist's Peter Bourke, before a merciful halt was brought to proceedings.
Player of the match: Andrew Cotton (Marist College). He was heavily involved in the play from the start and his combination of tries and conversions saw him contribute 25 points to the Marist's considerable tally. In addition to those already mentioned, Rueben Colleran was a forceful and influential presence at No. 8.
What's next: The Marist will meet Sligo Grammar School in the final after the latter defeated fellow Sligo outfit Summerhill College in the other semi-final.
Scorers - Marist: A Cotton 3 tries, 5 conversions; P Finnan 2 tries; D Murray, J Finnan and A Connor 1 try each; and penalty try (7 points).
Marist College, Athlone: Philip Finnan; Alex Connor, Darragh Glennon, Oisin O'Donoghue, Andrew Cotton; Darragh Murray, Owen Egan; Hugo Hannon, Donncha Dullea, Brian Rourke; Evin Claffey, Peter Bourke; Joseph McSharry, John Finnan, Rueben Colleran. Replacements: Adam Peter Murphy, Daniel Cleary, Jacob Bourke, Leandro Miranda, Myles Fallon, Hugh Loftus, Conor Flynn, Senan Nugent, Aidan Costello, Eoin Carr, Peter Daniel Sunny.
St Joseph's Patrician College, Galway: Colin Roche; Ross Harte, Cillian McNena, Daniel Walsh, Harry Healy; Oisin O'Connell, Charlie Garvey; Michael Dempsey, Charlie Ward, Mercy Victoire Monga; Liam Duggan, Tom Wallace; Daniel Forde, Shane Rather, James Siva. Replacements: Jacob Crehan, Benedict Ojo, Padraic Kennedy, James Sharkey, Edward Radu Tarnowetzki.
Referee: Mark Callanan.