by Ciaran O’Mara
THE JUNIOR cup kicked off on Tuesday with a win for Castletroy College beating Glenstal on a horrible day for rugby. Castletroy made better use of the tough weather conditions to scrape a 3 point win. The weather, which had already forced a change of venue, had a big influence on the game. Conor Flemming opened the scoring account for Castletroy scoring a penalty on the 25th minute. In the closing minutes of the first half David Rowsome Castletroy’s number eight snuck in at the corner to score the first try of the game.
George O’ Hara scored Glenstal’s only try and score of the game as Glenstal struggled to gain territory throughout the second half. A tremendous effort by both sides could have seen the match swing either way, however the weather proved to be the deciding factor in the end, as Castletroy edged an eight – five victory.
This gives Castletroy home advantage in the quarter final as they await the losers of the St. Munchins, Rockwell clash, which will be played on the Friday. Glenstal will play the winners away. The quarter finals are fixed for the Feb 28. Ard Scoil Ris get their Junior Cup campaign under way today, hoping to turn their losing final result against CBC last year on its head. Cresent Comprehensive will hope to take momentum from their win against St. Clements in January as they also play today against PBC.
St. Munchins will also hope to kick start their campaign against Rockwell hoping to take confidence from their pre-season wins against Terenure College. Limerick School rugby teams have had huge success in the last decade winning the competition five times, all colleges will be hoping that this year they can add another one to the bag.
