SMGS Rugby

Hard luck to the U19 Squad who unfortunately fell short on a scoreline of 16-7 against a very strong St Joseph's Nenagh team in Rockwell College today.

The first 30 minutes was a very tight affair with both defences excelling. Just before the break St Joseph’s were awarded a penalty in Blarney's 22 and after sustained pressure crossed the line and converted to make it 7-0 at half time.

Blarney started the second half brightly with excellent speed and creativity in their attack but couldn't capitalise on this. St Josephs  hit two long distance penalties to move into a 13-0 lead. Blarney wouldn't give up the fight and kept working hard and with sustained pressure from the forwards, Fionn Brickley brillantly finished under the posts and converted his own try to leave it 13-7.

Blarney now dominated the last 10 minutes with the backs making plenty of yards. Unfortunately right on the St Joseph's line with Blarney throwing everything at them, a penalty against the lads gave St Joseph’s a lifeline.  After gaining territory  from the penalty, St Josephs won a penalty and converted to seal the game.

The SMGS squad were outstanding today as they were all year and it was a shame their commitment to the cause wasn't rewarded with silverware.

They are and have always been a credit to the themselves, their families and the school and we wish the Leaving Certs all the best for their exams coming up and wish them well going forward into the future.

M McCarthy, S Brooks, C Dodd.