Colaiste Phobail Bheanntrai and Villiers clashed in Wilton in the Final of the Bowen Shield. It was the west Cork side that claimed the silverware with a fantastic 30 – 15 win over the Limerick men. The game was a great advert for rugby, with both sides, playing open running rugby and attacking at every opportunity. First blood fell to Villiers to with their fullback and winger combining from a turnover inside their own half to score in the corner to lead 5 – 0. Bantry hit back with Paidi O’Sullivan scoring under the posts and converting to give Bantry a 7 – 5 lead. A purple patch by Bantry going through 20 phases saw Tadgh McCarthy squeeze in at the corner flag to extend the lead (12 – 5).
With 10 mins to half time Villiers surged back with a converted try and penalty to lead 15 – 12 at the break. The second half brought a fresh wave of relentless attacks by Bantry, with Tony Harrington eventually getting over to put Bantry back in the lead 17 – 15. Villiers came back and were unlucky nil to get on the scoreboard from a penalty and numerous attacks. Paidi O’Sullivan then gave Bantry some breathing space with a penalty to leave the score 20 – 15 with 8 mins left. Villiers then had to force the issue a little and Bantry capitalised with Eoghan O’Shea scoring 2 great try’s in the corner one on full time to leave a final score 30 – 15. The scoreline flattered Bantry and was not a true reflection of a very tight game.
