SCHHOLS RUGBY NEWS ROUND-UP: YESTERDAY'S POSTPONED Leinster Schools Senior Cup quarter-final between tournament favourites Blackrock College and 2007 champions St Michael's College has been rescheduled for next Sunday, in Donnybrook, at 2.30pm.
However, after realising this was in a direct clash with a certain Six Nations match in Rome, the proposed kick-off time was placed “under review” by the Leinster Branch last night with confirmation of all schools fixtures to be released later today.
A 12.30pm start next Sunday is the likely option, but an evening fixture under the Donnybrook floodlights is also being considered. The branch are hesitant to take the latter option for a schools game, but such a unique event could attract a sizeable crowd.
The current 2.30pm kick-off is highly unlikely to go ahead as an anticipated four-figure attendance would be severely depleted if the game had to compete against the Italy-Ireland game.
The Donnybrook pitch was deemed unplayable in controversial circumstances last Friday night, forcing the Ireland A game against the English Saxons to be postponed at the last moment.
Another inspection of the surface will take place ahead of Tuesday’s quarter-final between Terenure College and Clongowes Wood College, while the Old Belvedere RFC Anglesea Road surface comes under the microscope this morning ahead of the St Mary’s College and Wesley College meeting.
All Leinster fixtures were cancelled yesterday due to the conditions.
Meanwhile, Methodist College, the holders of the Ulster Schools’ Cup, and very firm favourites to retain the trophy, swept Coleraine Institute out of the competition 24-0 on Saturday.
Methody, undefeated so far this season, dictated the pattern of play to establish that 24-point interval advantage, and then, when they faced the strong wind, proceeded to close up the game.
Winger Craig Gilroy put them ahead with a try, Michael Heaney converted and then added a penalty. A charged down kick allowed Michael Allen to score the second, and when Coleraine attempted to break out of their 22 they lost possession and Gilroy raced in for another.
Wallace High marched on following a big victory at Sullivan Upper, 33-8. Logan McCallan (two), James Thompson and Adam Hanley touched down for Wallace, while Scott Hughes also scored and kicked four conversions. Sullivan scores came via a Glenn Dunwoody try and a Chris Wood penalty.
Richard Mayne’s try helped Regent House, last season’s defeated finalists, to a narrow, 10-8 win at Foyle and Londonderry College. Neil Armstrong added a conversion and a penalty while Patrick Brennerhasset (try) and David Murdock (penalty) replied for Londonderry.
The other ties were postponed.
THIS WEEK'S FIXTURES
TODAY
Leinster Schools Senior Cup, Second round – St Mary's College v Wesley College, Anglesea Road, 3pm.
TUESDAY
Leinster Senior Cup, Second round – Terenure College v Clongowes Wood College, Donnybrook, 3pm.
Ulster Schools Senior Cup – Portora Royal v Larne Grammar.
Leinster Schools Junior Cup, First round – Pres Bray v Kilkenny College, Co Carlow RFC, 3pm; CUS v Gonzaga College, Ashbourne RFC, 2.30pm; St Mary's College v Castleknock, Railway Union, 3pm.
WEDNESDAY
Ulster Schools Senior Cup – Campbell College v Ballymena Academy, RBAI v Banbridge Academy.
Leinster Junior Cup, First round – Clongowes v Wesley College, Lakelands, 3pm; CBC Monkstown v St Michael's, Donnybrook, 3pm; CC Roscrea v Newbridge College, Portlaoise, 3pm.
THURSDAY
Leinster Schools Senior Cup, Second round – Belvedere College v Gonzaga College, Templeville Road, 3pm.
SATURDAY
Ulster Schools Senior Cup – Ballyclare High v Bangor Grammar, Cambridge House v Belfast Royal Academy.
SUNDAY
Leinster Schools Senior Cup, Second round – St Michael's College v Blackrock College, Donnybrook, 2.30 (tbc).
