SCHOOLS RUGBY McMULLEN CUP: Newpark Comp 18 Mount Temple 8:TRIES FROM left wing Odhran Duignan and prop Aubrey Marshall ensured Newpark Comprehensive returned to the Leinster Schools McMullen Senior Cup final at Seapoint RFC yesterday.
Newpark will be hot favourites to win the title outright given the presence of Leinster Under-19s in outhalf James Kelly, who shot eight points, and number eight Zac Jungmann. That touch of class made all the difference.
For instance, Kelly’s composed pirouette out of a tackle and simple pass sent Duignan away for the opening try in the 22nd minute.
Tighthead Marshall knifed down the blindside for the sealing try near the hour mark.
Temple responded by moving quickly up-field for their best player, Adam Merrey, to expose defensive frailties with a quick tap-and-go in what was a quality encounter.
NEWPARK COMPREHENSIVE:S Crowe; P Collins, E O'Connor, F Halpin, O Duignan; J Kelly, E Thornley; K Sundermann, J Sheehan, A Marshall, R Garland, H Connor, J Wheatley, B Clarke, Z Jungmann. Replacements: D Burke for Sundermann, A Campbell for Clarke (both 55 mins); R Sherlock for Collins 61 mins.
MOUNT TEMPLE:S Kenney-Gains; N Maxwell, J Buckett, F Brennan, S Homan; A Merrey, H O'Dea; Colm Kelly, S Reamsbottom, Conor Kelly, S Gibney, K Prout, J Oscar-Gibbons, V Gavin, C McGinley. Replacements: S O'Mahony for Conor Kelly (53 mins); D Sharkey-O'Keeffe for Kenny-Gains 57 mins.
Referee:N Brannigan (Leinster Branch).
