Murphy seals Pres win
PRESENTATION COLLEGE BRAy opened up their Leinster Schools Junior League account with a one-point victory, grinding out the result against tough opposition on Wednesday afternoon.
Pres welcomed a strong, big and physical Cistercian College Roscrea side to their school grounds for their league opener. Pres only have two home games out of five in the league, so they were aware of the importance of making their home fixtures count, looking for a big win. The hosts got a dream start as a lovely clean set-piece ball off the lineout gave them a great platform to attack and their centre ran a lovely line finishing in a try by Dylan Henry under the sticks as he put his team into a rapid lead.
The visitors have a history of producing big boys full of power and this time was no different as they had an advantage in terms of physicality and speed, with their backrow looking very dangerous with ball in hand. They put the pressure on, dominating the possession in the first half, but credit to Pres they were organised in defence and didn’t panic under pressure. Although, their opponents got their reward on the cusp of half-time levelling the scores 7-7 from a good try.
Roscrea looked to have their foot on the throats of the hosts as they got themselves into a 7-17 lead, coming out strong after the break, Although, Pres began to start chasing the lead and getting some good possession, reducing the lead to seven following a penalty kick, and this was followed by a well-worked try scored by Barra Lupton Smith.
Jack Murphy missed a tough conversion, meaning that his team still trailed 15-17, with not much time remaining. The home side showed them spirit for victory, as they kicked themselves back into attacking terriotory where they got rewarded with a penalty, which was converted by Murphy as he grasped a nail biting opening victory for his school. It finished 18-17.
PRES BRAY: Darragh O’Sullivan, Senan Rogan, Dylan Henry, Finn Treacy, Luke Kelly, Jack Murphy, Conor Bourke, Jack McDonald, Conor McGrath, Sam Bourke, Adam Tighe, Gearoid McCarthy Murphy, Callum Tully, Barra Lupton Smith, Ross Mackey. Subs: Odhran Meade, Ewan Murray, Sam Fitzsimons, James Healy, Cian Eddy, Dan Seymour, Adam Dutton, Jack Clarke.