SCHOOLS RUGBY CONNACHT SENIOR CUP FINAL: Coláiste Iognáid 10 Sligo Grammar 3COLÁISTE IOGNÁID confirmed their status as team of the decade in Connacht as they captured their fourth Schools Senior Cup title in five years.
The champions were forced to dig deep at the Sportsground but, in truth, their title was never in danger as they captured their ninth crown.
As expected, Sligo Grammar gave them their most stern test of the year, but Coláiste Iognáid had the composure to work through the phases and pick off the few chances which arose.
Both sides had brushed away all challengers on their march to the final and it was no surprise this contest was close throughout.
Nevertheless, it was the Galway city school who always held and edge as they deservedly carved out another win.
Neither side mastered the swirling wind, however, and there were far too many unforced errors early for either side to get on top.
But Coláiste Iognáid improved as the opening half progressed with centres Eoin Griffin and Colin Conroy giving them a cutting edge.
Sligo Grammar were forced to defend deep but the safe handling of their best player, fullback Scott Oates, ensured Coláiste Iognáid had to work for scores.
But the pressure from the champions eventually paid off and they hit the front after 22 minutes when lock Rory Cunningham was at the end of a fine move involving halfbacks Conor Murphy and Fearghal Campbell and centre Griffin.
Sligo’s David Butler made a brave effort to deny Cunningham on the line but the secondrow managed to ground the ball.
The key score came four minutes from the interval when further Coláiste Iognáid pressure forced a five-metre scrum in the left corner and flanker Aaron Conneely drove hard and, while he was stopped short, he was able to reach and make the touchdown.
That left the holders 10-0 to the good and, with such a strong defence, it was always going to take something special to break them down after the restart.
Sligo Grammar enjoyed good spells of possession but they struggled to cross the gain line despite the best efforts of Aaron Spring, Gary McConnell and Tadgh Power.
They were given some hope 16 minutes from time when outhalf Pat Hughes landed a drop goal.
However, they were unable to break down a resolute champions’ defence who held on.
COLÁISTE IOGNÁID:T Flaherty; A O'Loughlin, C Conroy, E Griffin, D McDonough; C Murphy, F Campbell; B Madden, E Shaughnessy, N Ó Maoláin; R Cunningham, D Phelan; A Conneely, S Conneely, E McKeon. Replacements:C Qualter for Ó Maoláin (47 mins), B Kennedy for S Conneely (54 mins).
SLIGO GRAMMAR SCHOOL:S Oates; A Corduff, D Butler, C Nairn, P Hazelton; P Hughes, O Van Der Grijn; T Ferrari, G McConnell, J Gill; J Clarke, S Mullaney; T Power, T Callaghan, A Spring. Replacements:E O'Donnell for Clarke (49 mins).
Referee:D Connelly.
