Schools' Rugby Leinster Junior Cup semi-final replay: Few would quibble with the merit of Blackrock College's victory in yesterday's semi-final replay at Donnybrook. It may have only been copper-fastened in the last five minutes but it was a fair reflection of their dominance. For all Belvedere College's bravery, they managed only brief flirtations with the Blackrock 22.
This was especially true of the second half, when backed by a strong wind Blackrock corralled Belvedere in the shadow of the latters' posts for much of the half. Belvedere were unrelenting in their defensive defiance until five minutes from time when conceding a straight-forward penalty opportunity.
They had received ample warning, Blackrock outhalf Luke Fitzgerald missing two more difficult chances from 27 and 30 metres respectively, the second of which struck an upright. When afforded a third opportunity Fitzgerald made no mistake. Belvedere were visibly deflated by the setback.
The restart did not travel the requisite distance and this allowed Blackrock to boot their way back into the Belvedere 22 and reapply the stranglehold. Neat footwork by the excellent Fitzgerald, a powerful surge by the equally impressive David O'Brien and Belvedere's defence was stretched wafer thin.
Blackrock moved the ball wide again, full back Cian O'Toole was hauled down 15 metres out but two rucks later scrumhalf David Moore sold a dummy and scampered over for a try that Fitzgerald converted.
It was appropriate the halfbacks were involved in a swaggering finale for their ability to control and vary Blackrock's patterns complemented the excellent technique of the pack's rucking. Fitzgerald played the drawn match in the centre but switched when Eoin Fleck was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Number eight and captain David O'Connor was a willing ball carrier with a big hand-off but it was hooker O'Brien who caught the eye.
Continuity for both teams was a problem, referee Norman Carter whistling for 22 penalties. The lineout at this level is a throwback to the pre-lifting days and therefore not really a platform to launch attacks. Twice in the first half Blackrock elected to kick penalties to touch deep inside the Belvedere 22, on both occasions turning over possession. Afterwards they desisted and instead opted for a more remunerative set-piece in a scrum.
Belvedere did well to hold out for as long as they managed. Although they contested the first half on a more equal footing territorially, they didn't really create too many scoring opportunities. Second row Jonathan Slattery came closest but was hauled down a couple of metres short. Prop Cian Healy and flanker Eoin O'Carroll were others who competed well.
Instead it was in a defensive context that several Belvedere players excelled and none more so than centre Colin Murphy who had a superb afternoon. Belvedere had several narrow escapes not least when O'Brien had a try ruled out for a double movement.
Blackrock will face Gonzaga in the final chasing a 42nd title.
SCORING SEQUENCE: 55 mins: Fitzgerald penalty, 3-0; 60 mins: Moore try, Fitzgerald conversion, 10-0.
BLACKROCK COLLEGE: C O'Toole; N Morris, S Rogers, E Cody, V Artemiev; L Fitzgerald, D Moore; J Allen, D O'Brien, W Kavanagh; P Ryan, E Costigan; A Cullen, D O'Connor (capt), J Manahan. Replacement: R Donnolly for Allen 37 mins.
BELVEDERE COLLEGE: D Mongan; P Dunne, C Murphy, D Gibbons, J McDevitt; E O'Malley, P O'Donoghue; C Healy, S Ryan, P McCabe; K Leyden, J Slattery; C Farrelly-Pendred, C McGinn, E O'Carroll (capt).
Referee: N Carter (Leinster).
