CBC qualify for the semi-final of the Munster Schools Junior Cup after a hard earned win over Bandon Grammar School

CBC 14

Bandon Grammar School 12

Christian Brothers College qualified for the semi-final of the Munster Schools Junior Cup after a hard earned win over Bandon Grammar School at Virgin Media Park on Wednesday.

Bandon Grammar will now face St Munchin’s College in the quarter final.

Christians were dealt a blow inside three minutes when Donal O’Connor had to go off with a leg injury but returned after treatment and made his mark on the contest.

He was replaced by Christians captain James Martin, who made an immediate impact with some telling runs that had the Bandon defence in trouble.

Daniel Hyde and James Symington were making a lot of ground with some big bursts up the park for Bandon.

Joseph Neville won a line out for Christians in the Bandon 22 and as they mauled for the line, the Bandon defence held firm.

Christians were awarded a penalty in the Bandon 22 but opted for a scrum which the west Cork side won against the head and cleared their lines.

Five minutes before the interval James Hicks saw his penalty effort come back off the Christians upright, but pressure by the Bandon pack was rewarded when Sam Barry sent Adam Barry through a gap to touchdown and Hicks converted.

From the restart Christians drew level with a try from Michael Murray after great pressure by the Christians pack and Eamon O’Sullivan converted to leave the sides level 7-7 at half time.

Hicks saw a long range penalty effort in the opening minute of the second half fall short.

Bandon who had a player in the sin-bin just before the interval had to withstand some Christians pressure with O’Connor prominent.

Once Bandon were back to the full complement, their pack dominated.

Christians were reduced to fourteen following a high tackle and Bandon regained the lead with a second try by Adam Barry, which Hicks failed to convert.

Sensing an upset Christians pack laid siege to the Bandon line and Martin touched down and O’Connor’s conversion won it for the City side.

Scorers: CBC: M Murray, J Martin tries, E O’Sullivan, D O’Connor cons.

Bandon Grammar School: A Barry 2 tries, J Hicks con.

CBC: E O Sullivan; T Nixon, M O'Leary, D O'Connor, D Barry; C Walsh, D O'Connell; S Fitzpatrick, A Coakley, M Murray; H McCarthy, J Neville; C Newcombe, B McGinn, R O'Farrell.

Replacements: D Lynch, A Carroll, O O'Sullivan, S Healy, R Coady, J Long, A McDonald, M Quill, D O'Connell, J Martin.

Bandon Grammar School: H McCourt; J Hicks, I Smith, D Fuller, A Bramoulle; S Barry, L Linehan; J Deasy, A Barry, A White; J Symington, S Brady; C Beecher, A Gambura, D Hyde.

Replacements: J van Niekerk, M Buttimer, D Kent, R Hall, M Whelton, F Lucey, B McLaughlin, N van der Westhuizen, C Johnston, R Long.

Referee: S McLoughlin (MAR).