Clonmel High School give good account of themselves in Munster Schools Rugby semi-final

Under 15 McCarthy Cup semi-final

CBC (Cork) 38 Clonmel High School 14

Clonmel High School U15 team travelled to CBC’s grounds in Lansdowne in Cork City on Friday last for the eagerly awaited showdown with the Munster schools’ rugby powerhouse in the McCarthy Cup semi-final.
Despite the Clonmel side’s best efforts, Christians were too strong. Yet the High School boys gave it their all to the final whistle, scoring two fine tries in the match.

The setting was impressive overlooking the north side of Cork city in beautiful December sunshine, which helped to thaw out the pitch before kick-off.

CBC ran in three first half tries before the High School replied with a great try of their own. Centre Rian Galko, who carried strongly all day, made a break in midfield and offloaded to prop Alex O’Keeffe who had the pace to beat the CBC defence to score just before half time. Out half Jack O'Brien kicked a tricky conversion to leave the score 19-7 at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern as the first. CBC found space out wide stretching the High School defence. Yet the High School was dogged and would not lie down. Captain Mbekezeli Masuku was outstanding in attack and defence leading by example. Takky Ibrahim, Joe Franklin, Anthony Fitzgerald and Natan Gucwa all played really well.

Despite CBC scoring three more tries, the High School had the last word with Rian Galko getting a well deserved try before the final whistle. Jack O’Brien was on hand again to kick the conversion to leave the final score 38-14.

So the High School bow out of the McCarthy Cup but can take great heart from their performance. We have the Cleary Cup to look forward to in January.

The High School team was Alex O’Keeffe, Jack Duggan, Takky Ibrahim, Sayyam Hussnain, PJ Walsh, Michael Murray, Sam Normile, Mbekezeli Masuku, Joe Franklin, Conall Morrison, Gavin Mahony, Rian Galko, Anthony Fitzgerald, Cody Lee, Jack O'Brien, Sebastian Baniak, Jakub Prazan, Nathan Gucwa, Dean Lonergan, Jaden Doolan, Nathan Dalton, Junior Da Silva, Jerome Phelan, Patrick Lyons, Sean Delahunty, Corey McKenna.

Tipperary Rugby: Another win sees Clonmel well set at halfway point of All Ireland League

Energia All Ireland League
Clonmel RFC 26 Sunday's Well 5
The High School hosted Saturday's AIL clash between Clonmel and Sunday's Well on our 4G pitch as the pitches at Ard Gaoithe were frozen. It great to see so many of our past pupils lining out for Clonmel and playing their part in a great performance from the home team.
Well done Clonmel who remain in fourth place.

Upcoming high school fixtures
Wednesday, December 14
Munster Schools Senior Cup Qualifier-Final, High School CBS v Pobalscoil Bantry, Musgrave Park, 11.30.
Friday, December 16, U14 Friendly, High School CBS v Thurles CBS, High School pitch, 12.15.