Bandon are still in contention to join Pres and Christians in the Munster Senior Cup semi-finals

BANDON Grammar School came within seconds of joining the big two, CBC and PBC, in the semi-finals of the Clayton Hotels sponsored Munster Schools Senior Cup at Musgrave Park yesterday.

They led defending champions, Glenstal Abbey, 15-10 only to concede an equalising try eight minutes into second-half injury-time and must do it all again on Tuesday week at Thomond Park at 3.30pm.

Bandon more than deserved their second chance after tries from Niall and John Beamish and a conversion and penalty from captain Jack Crowley almost caused a shock result.

Christians, who lost to Glenstal in last year’s final by a point, were involved in another cliff-hanger against Crescent College Comprehensive, surviving a major test 21-19.

John Willis and Harry O’Riordan scored first-half tries with Billy Cain adding a conversion and a penalty, but Crescent still led 19-15 at half-time. Two second-half Cain penalties got Christians over the line.

Pres needed no such heroics as number eight Alex Kendellen inspired the side to a 31-9 win over Rockwell College in the first game at Musgrave Park.

He crossed twice in the second half after the Mardyke school turned around 19-9 ahead after playing against the wind.

Joe O’Leary, Eoin Quilter and Darragh Murphy claimed tries with out-half and captain Louis Bruce converting three times in all.

The great rivals were kept apart in the semi-final draw. Pres await the winners of the Bandon-Glenstal replay and Christians meet Ardscoil Rís, who thumped Castletroy College 45-17.