PBC coach Brian McMahon: 'We got lucky. Maybe the better team didn’t win'

PBC coach Brian McMahon admitted his side got out of jail in their thrilling 19-18 Clayton Hotels sponsored Munster Schools Senior Cup semi-final win over gallant Bandon Grammar School at Musgrave Park on Wednesday.

A late Alex Kendellen try, converted by captain Louis Bruce, helped set-up the first PBC-CBC decider since 2007 on St Patrick’s Day at the same venue.

“Bandon were the better team for the bulk of the game. I’m sure they’re devastated. We got lucky. Maybe the better team didn’t win.

“We were saying if we just could maintain possession we might get a rub of the green near the end and we got it with Alex’s try,” he said.

That cut Bandon’s lead to a point and Bruce nailed the all-important conversion with a nerveless kick.

“He took the pressure on his shoulders and dealt with it brilliantly. We’re super proud of Louis. That’s why he’s our captain.” 

The Mardyke school won the 2007 encounter between the great rivals, when Simon Zebo scored a spectacular try in a 13-3 triumph.

Peter O’Mahony was also in that Pres team while Christians included prop John Ryan.

The schools clashed in an epic semi-final last season with Christians coming from 0-15 down to snatch a 17-15 victory with a try in the last play.

“They are warm favourites,” commented McMahon. “Yet, a Pres-Christians final is a law into itself and I’ve no doubt a lot of people will be bursting to see that game. I’m sure the entire South Mall will be buzzing.

“The reality is that we’ve got to take stock because this display simply won’t do in the final.

“We are really going to have to up our game after the way Christians played in their semi-final, scoring 48 points,” MacMahon concluded.

Kick-off time is to be confirmed.