CBC CORK will be firm favourites to take their 23rd Munster Schools' Senior Cup when they meet St Munchin's at Musgrave Park this afternoon. The way the Cork side progressed to the final suggests they will be good enough to stop the Limerick side from winning their third trophy.
As the team of the 1970s, it has come a big shock to the Cork college to play second fiddle to old rivals, Presentation College, in recent seasons. However they exorcised the demons when they had a comprehensive quarter-final victory over their old rivals and followed that with an equally impressive win over Crescent Comprehensive.
St Munchin's, coached by the wily Pat Cross, made it to the final by beating Rockwell and last season's defeated finalists Ard Scoil Ris.
A big, mobile pack can be expected to dominate and CBC's out-half Brian O'Mahony, will be a key figure. He has experienced the rough and tumble of schools' cup rugby for the last couple of years and was on the all-conquering Irish schools' side of last season.
St Munchin's don't have anyone of the same experience and that could be the deciding factor in Christians' favour, however admirably the Limerick pack competes.
In Ulster, tradition is on the side of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution for today's Renault Ulster Schools' Cup decider at Ravenhill. With 24 successes in the competition, they are streets ahead of their opponents, BRA, who are still awaiting their first triumph.
But if patience is a virtue, BRA, coached by Ally Moles and Graham Moffett, may find their reward. Their five-try haul against Wallace HS in the semi-final suggests they will be formidable opponents for an RBAI side that overcame fancied Bangor GS in the last four.
RBAI can look to a pack, which includes such talented players as number eight Ian Rees, and second row Darren Barbour, while Paul Shields is an inspirational skipper. BRA can look to the incisive running of full-back Lindsay Kerr, while their pack has shown the commitment, passion and fire necessary to end the long barren spell which the school has endured in Ulster's premier schools competition.
A replay may be necessary to decide the outcome of what should be a thrilling contest.
