Blackrock start with a flourish

Blackrock College got off to a winning start at the World Schools Rugby Championship in Zimbabwe yesterday by beating St George's of the host nation, 38-5. Playing under scorching sun and 27 degree temperatures, Blackrock ran in five tries to thoroughly dominate St George's in the first day of the week-long tournament.

Winger Frank Cunneen scored a hat-trick of tries with Jeff McEvoy and Niall Treston adding one each. Full-back Paul Drew added three penalties and two conversions.

"We're delighted with the start, especially since we haven't played competitively for nearly four months," said Blackrock coach Vincent Costello. "The standard of play was very high and the team performed admirably, even in the heat."

Blackrock take on South African school Monument on Thursday with the play-offs for the final taking place this weekend. Under complex rules not too unlike the UEFA Youth soccer championship in Cyprus, the two leading teams will eventually play for the World Cup next Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Belfast Royal Academy went down 87-14 to New Zealand side Kelston Boys and now face Ratu Kadavuleva of Fiji.