RUGBY
JUNIOR CUP
This year's Junior Cup campaign ended in disappointment last Monday in Donnybrook
as a physically more powerful Castleknock side defeated us 15 - 10 in the semi-final.
The team, under the inspiring leadership of Andrew Brennan, played with great
courage and commitment, however, and only enhanced their reputation in defeat.
Newspaper reports were kind enough to refer to Gonzaga as 'looking the better
side on the day' and to our 'imaginative and plucky play'. The image that is most
likely to remain in the minds of all present is that of Shane Hanratty's try at
the beginning of the second half which was rightly described by Tony Ward in the
Irish Independent as 'the score of the competition'.
Though the season ended in disappointment, it was the most successful year at
Junior level since the team of 1989 reached the Junior Cup final. The team won
17 of their 21 matches this year, scoring an unprecedented 707 points and conceding
184. We lost to only three teams this season (Castleknock beat us in the League
semi-final also) and two of those teams - Castleknock and St. Michael's - will
contest the Junior Cup final next week. Our only other defeat was away to Blackrock.
The Headmaster is happy to publicise the fact that we beat our sister colleges,
Belvedere and Clongowes (both away from home) during the season.
Thanks to all our readers for their support.
David Murray, David Keenahan
SENIOR CUP
The Gonzaga 1st XV defeated CBC 10 - 9 in their first round game at Lakelands.
Having lost to CBC in the League (20 - 8) Gonzaga rose to the challenge in a thrilling
encounter. Playing against a very strong wind they gave a superb performance in
adapting "Key Ball Tactics" to perfection and deservedly won. They encountered
Blackrock in Donnybrook in their second round game. Both sides were evenly matched
in the first half and turned around 7 - 7. Rock shaded the second half in a most
enjoyable and outstanding Cup game played in truly appalling conditions. They
played with tremendous spirit, passion and commitment and the sportsmanship of
both teams was a credit to their Colleges. We are very proud of our Senior Rugby
Panel for their commitment, dedication and skill and for giving us two excellent
Cup games enjoyed by all our supporters, past and present. A very big thank you
to coaches Bobby Byrne and Declan Fassbender for their enthusiasm, dedication,
commitment and encouragement throughout a long season (League and Cup). Gura
fada buan sibh. A special thank you to Mrs Susan Mathews for organising Après
Match x 5 in the College canteen and enjoyed by all the players and their parents.
The U16's and Senior 3rds accompanied
by Ms P Morris (Manager), Mr H Welch (Coach), Mr B Byrne and Mr O O'Brien travelled
north on Friday, March 1. They played the Friends School and the Wallace High
School in Lisburn (W 1 L 1) and enjoyed the hospitality of both schools before
travelling on to Ravenhill to watch Ireland A v Scotland A.
U14's
Good luck to the U14 rugby squad who will be representing the school in France
over Easter. Two teams are playing in the Roche la Molière 12 a side rugby
tournament on the 6th of April in St. Etienne. They will be competing against
teams from the local area as well as teams from Germany and the Czech Republic.
Bon voyage et bonne chance.
U13's
Best of luck to Gonzaga U13's who have qualified for the U13 League Final -v-
Wesley College on Wednesday, March 20 at Bird Avenue. K.O. 2.30pm
League Record P10 W8 D1 L1
Best wishes to Ross McCarron, Kevin McLaughlin
and Simon Morrissey, selected to play in Irish Schools XV Final Trial. Go
n'éirí libh.
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