SUMMERHILL’S DERBY TRIUMPH
THE rugby rivalries between Sligo Grammar School and Summerhill College came to a captivating fore when the sides met in their Top Oil Senior Cup Pool 2 decider last Wednesday. With both unbeaten and already through to the semi- final stages, this tie was about who would take the bragging rights. Both have stellar in- form players, Sligo Grammar’s Kuba Wojtkowicz and clinical outhalf Niall Gray impressing for James Gavin’s side throughout their campaign. While for Head Coach Ross O’Boyle’s Summerhill, captain Adrian Cummins and Ross Hickey have been immense. The rivalry between both sporting schools could be felt approaching Sligo Grammar ahead of the game, with hundreds of supporters flocking to the grounds to cheer on their sides in this local derby. Last year the victory went to hosts Sligo Grammar so Summerhill were out for revenge. They completely dominated most of the opening half, on eight minutes Gary Golden powered over the line with Brian Cox duly converting to settle O’Boyle’s charges. Four minutes later and Summerhill were in again, this time through Hickey who broke down the right to score their second try with Cox’s conversion attempt slicing off the post. Summerhill were dominating at this stage and when Cox coolly converted a penalty on 18 minutes, they were fifteen points in front. The Summerhil onslaught was continuing as Sligo Grammar tried to alleviate the constant pressure. A Summerhill scrum five metres from the line saw Hickey side sweeping the Grammar defence, the number 12 scoring his side’s third try with 25 minutes played, Cox again converting to make it 22- 0. Then, Sligo Grammar’s Graham Kerr went to ground in what appeared to be a high tackle and the referee sent Summerhill’s Kevin Connell off, giving the hosts some leeway of light on 33 minutes. It immediately sparked an energy in Sligo Grammar, with Wojtkowicz linking up with Eoin McCormack to drive the attack forward. Philip Carter and McCormack loomed dangerously close to the Summerhill tryline as the Sligo Grammar pace intensified. The half- time score of 22- 0 for Summerhill looked within the sights of Sligo Grammar, who were much livelier towards the end of the first half and needed to come out strong in the second period. Five minutes into the second half and Sligo Grammar got their first try, Wojtkowicz moving effortlessly through the middle past three Summerhill players to cross over the line, with Gray converting much to the delight of the Sligo Grammar support. Things got even better for the hosts on 52 minutes, Gray scoring their second try following an excellent move and he also converted to make it 22- 14. Summerhill didn’t falter despite the Sligo Grammar resurgence, Cox converting a penalty on 55 minutes keeping them 25- 14 ahead. The excitement intensified when Wojtkowicz crossed over again on 32 minutes, Gray’s attempt sailed narrowly wide as the score was 25- 19 with eight minutes to go. Supporters were in full voice as the sides battled on, the next score vital and it was to be the valiant Summerhill’s. With two minutes left on the clock, Brendan Cunninham scored their fourth try with Cox converting. Golden kicked to touch and the Summerhill students invaded the pitch to congratulate their heroes. Summerhill coach Ross O’Boyle said he was immensely proud of his team for their never- saydie attitude and resilience throughout the battle.