Sport

Quick-thinking Joyce swoops to cross for the decisive score

Schools Rugby/Leinster Junior Cup: Terenure College 5, Gonzaga College 3 The windy conditions dominated this Leinster Schools…

Wed Feb 28 2007 - 00:00

Schools Rugby/Leinster Junior Cup: Terenure College 5, Gonzaga College 3 The windy conditions dominated this Leinster Schools Junior Cup quarter-final at Westmanstown yesterday with Eoin Joyce's second-half try sealing the issue.

Gonzaga had defended bravely for most of the hour but Terenure always held the edge in the backs where their centre, Barry Kelly, had an exceptional day.

Despite the very heavy surface and a gale-force wind which blew across the field, both teams turned in a fine display with no quarter given.

It was Gonzaga who drew first blood when their centre, Stephen Murphy, slotted over a penalty with five minutes gone.

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With their pack holding Terenure at bay in the early stages, Gonzaga built on their good start, with one great run from Michael Fitzpatrick underlining their pace in the backs.

Gradually, though, Terenure began to make their presence tell, with Gonzaga fullback Daniel Diviney pulling off a crucial tackle on Joyce as he attempted to cut in under the posts.

Terenure wing Stephen Lowe was then unlucky not to score in the left hand corner just before half-time in what proved the last action of the half.

Terenure were awarded a penalty six minutes after the restart but Barry Kelly's kick just tailed away to the left.

Terenure continued to press, however, with Lowe just put into touch as he attempted to make the corner.

But from the resultant throw-in, Terenure stole back possession with the quick-thinking Joyce pouncing for what proved the match-winner.

GONZAGA COLLEGE: D Diviney; M Fitzpatrick, Stephen Murphy, M McPhillips, Seán Murphy; F Doherty, A Byrne; C Coburn, A Stokes, I O'Muirthile, C O'Leary, C Kenny, D Seaver-O'Leary, M McGroarty, C Murray. Replacements: P Lavelle for Stokes (47 mins); M Cuddihy for O'Muirthile (55 mins); E Murphy for Kenny (58 mins).

TERENURE COLLEGE: N Thorton, C Kelly, B Kelly, D Olin, S Lowe, N Lynch, N Casey, B Mooney, B Elliott, C Creagh, L Cowhig, P Soave, A Clarkin, D Church, E Joyce. Replacements: G Speiran for Soave (50 mins); Seán O'Loughlin for Clarkin (57 mins).

Referee: P Dennehy (ARLB)