Late drama sees Bandon Grammar School lose out in Munster hockey final

Newtown School 3 Bandon Grammar School 2 

Peio Garate fired in a drag flick with the last play to win a thrilling So Hockey Munster Senior Schoolboys final for Newtown School at sun-splashed Garryduff on Wednesday afternoon.

The final hooter signalled a tense hush, as the Waterford school stood over a penalty corner with the clock already in the red.

Newtown had managed a rousing comeback following a disastrous opening quarter after which they trailed 2-0.

Bandon worked circle penetration early, winning a first-minute short corner. Jamie Horgan was twice denied before Sam Dale drilled in the opener.

Things improved further for the West Cork school following a lightning break by Aidan Gambura. He drove from his own half into the Newtown circle before being upended by Oisín Gavin. Gavin protested his innocence but saw yellow and 10 minutes in the sin-bin. Sam Dale made no mistake with the penalty flick.

Newtown looked in trouble, but Hayden Jones was dangerous and the outstanding Garate carried the fight, constantly driving, dribbling and lifting threatening aerials. Bandon suffered a blow too when the lively Gambura had to be helped off after going over on an ankle.

Sam Dale, captain Bandon Grammar School with possession in the So Hockey Munster Boys Senior A Cup final at Garryduff. Newtown School vs Bandon Grammar School. Pic Larry Cummins Garate eventually made a period of concerted pressure tell, firing in a short corner he had forced himself — 2-1 at the break.

The third quarter saw more Newtown pressure. They camped in the Bandon half for a spell, but Grammar held on, surviving another Garate short corner on 38 minutes. A super save from Sean Landy.

For the final quarter, Newtown went man to man, drawing Garate deeper and their probing eventually paid off when player of the match Hayden Jones blasted a delicious reverse flick high to the Bandon net.

Grammar regrouped and had a chance to win it themselves with a penalty corner two minutes from time. But Newtown defended gamely to prevent the shot.

And there was drama at the death when the Waterford school forced a set-piece of their own. The clock ticked past the hour amid a deathly silence. And powerhouse Garate made no mistake to spark jubilant scenes.