Sport

Ard Scoil Ris can rule in Munster

THE thousands will flock to Thomond Park and Ravenhill this afternoon to see the finals of the Munster and Ulster Schools' senior…

By EDMUND VAN ESBECK
Mon Mar 18 1996 - 00:00

THE thousands will flock to Thomond Park and Ravenhill this afternoon to see the finals of the Munster and Ulster Schools' senior Cups respectively.

For some of the supporters it will be case of familiar pastures, but for the students of Ard Scoil Ris, their presence in the final of the Munster Cup will be a unique experience their first in the senior final. For their opponents Presentation Brothers College Cork, the hope will be that what we have we hold as they are the defending champions and they have won the cup more often than any other school.

The contrast between PBC Cork and Ard Scoil Ris could not be more clear cut. PBC first won this famous trophy back in the second decade of this century and this afternoon they seek the trophy for the 25th time. Their attempt to reach that notable landmark will sharpen their resolve to have their name on the plinth yet again.

Ard Scoil Ris have done extremely well to reach the final and will doubtless offer a resolute fight to add their names to the roll of honour, nor will it worry them unduly that they will be rated as outsiders. If the start of their campaign could be said to have been faltering - it took them a replay to defeat Glenstal - they created a big surprise when they defeated a much favoured St Munchin's team in the semi final. PBC defeated Rockwell and then saw off the challenge of arch rivals CBC in the semi final.

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For a long time Methodist College have been a power on the Ulster schools scene and while their opponents today Regent House, cannot point to a similar level of achievement or tradition, they made the big breakthrough two years ago and their presence in the final yet again is indicative of their prowess and growing stature. They won the cup for the first time in 1994, Methodist last took the trophy in 1991.

. Three try hero James Small and the unerring boot of Andre Jouberf fired Natal to a 63-25 Super 12 win over Waikato at King's Park, Durban yesterday.

It was a startling renaissance in the Natal attitude that swung things in an often ill tempered game where Waikato centre Frank Bunce was twice penalised for talking back to referee Andre Watson and came close to being sent off for dissent.

Natal got into high gear from the start and deservedly led 30-6 at the break.