Clonakilty Prevails in Wet and Windy Showdown: CPB Junior Cup Team Fights Hard Despite Tough Conditions

On a very wet and windy Wednesday, in an orange weather warning, the CPB Junior Cup Team took to the pitch in Virgin Media Park cheered on by a boisterous crowd of family, friends and supporters from Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai. Following a rearrangement of the pack prior to the game and the early loss of Leah Barry to a twisted ankle, the CPB girls looked dangerous as they camped in the SCS 22 for opening 10 minutes. Clonakilty’s defence was solid and the Colaiste failed to turn this early dominance into numbers on the scoreboard, despite a terrific touch-finder by Alice O Donovan and abrasive carries from Muireann McCarthy. The CPB lineout functioned well in very difficult conditions with Caoimh McCarthy proving strong in the air, while Annie Doody was accurate with her throws. The SCS girls went on to show their attacking prowess and scored 3 tries and two conversions in the 1^st half for a 19 point lead at half time. Belle O Donoghue worked hard with many important tackles, which prevented the game from being out of sight after 30 minutes. In a blow to CPB McCarthy had to be withdrawn before half time.

The Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai girls came out with renewed determination in the second half and despite playing into a strong wind, they dominated and played almost all their rugby in the SCS half. Abbie Connolly showed a cool head as she steered the team from the 10 position throughout the second half. Seren Lehane posed a constant threat down the left flank, with Ciara Kelly causing many headaches for the opposition through the centre. Mary Fox lead the forwards attack with a tap-and-go charge that brought CPB to the goal line, however they were denied by a superb SCS defence, which proved too much in the end.

The CPB Junior Cup Team and coaches would like to thank Pat Barry for his sponsorship of their new jerseys. They would also like to sincerely thank all family, friends, staff and students for their support throughout this season, and look forward to their next success.