RUGBY: Castleknock College used their forward power in the first half to secure a sufficient lead for their passage to the final of the Leinster Schools' Junior Cup at Donnybrook yesterday.
Gonzaga fought it out, however, and looked the better side on the day, despite not notching the points on the board.
In open play, Gonzaga were unlucky not to get the odd try here and there which might have made a huge difference in a closely-fought second half.
But a match that was well refereed by Dermot O'Mahoney saw the balance remaining in Castleknock's favour once they had established their lead.
The Castleknock pack gained early territorial advantage, enabling scrumhalf Daniel O'Connor to get their first try after just four minutes.
A lot of cut and thrust ensued from both sides with missed opportunities and splendid tackling, before the day's outstanding player, Gonzaga's full back Shane Hanratty, made a solo run from his own 22-metre line to level matters.
Castleknock regained control shortly afterwards when number eight Alan Hickey finished off a strong surge and Brian Collins converted. This score prompted the most invigorating play from both sides and it was hammer and tongs before Castleknock's Brian Collins finally took advantage with a penalty goal before half-time.
Gonzaga were always fighting for parity in the first half and in the second period they were rewarded when Hanratty again took off for the score of the day.
The wide-out try was unconverted, but the match was left on a knife-edge for the last 20 minutes, when Castleknock defended their lead against imaginative and plucky play from Gonzaga.
CASTLEKNOCK COLLEGE: D Stapleton; P O'Beirne, P Conway, S McKay, K Coombes; B Collins, D O'Connor; C Farrell, C McIntyre, D O'Connell, R O'Mahoney, H Carthy, E Cummins, E Mullen (capt), A Hickey. Replacements: T Iyayi for O'Beirne, P Kennedy for Conway.
GONZAGA COLLEGE: S Hanratty: D Ruane, T Toomey, P Arnold, J Comiskey: M Boland, S Mitton; J Halpenny, K Eustace, R Upton, S Hodgins, J Gething, T O'Dea, J O'Connell, A Brennan (capt). Replacements: J Egan for Halpenny, D Rice for O'Dea.
Referee: D O'Mahoney (Leinster Branch).
The Connacht Schools' Senior Cup quarter-final between Sligo Grammar School and Summerhill College which was scheduled for yesterday was called off because the pitch was unplayable. The match has been refixed for today at the same venue, Sligo, and same time, 4.30.
Castleknock ... 15
Gonzaga ... 10
