Newbridge juniors show strength

The high expectations of this Leinster Junior Cup clash failed to materialise at Donnybrook yesterday as Newbridge earned their semi-final place without a whole lot of effort. In a game dominated by forwards, Clongowes were both outsized and outclassed.

Indeed, the first two Newbridge tries came from charging runs led by the forwards, with Anthony Kavanagh claiming the first (which he converted) after just five minutes and David Snell adding the second shortly after the interval. Not long after that, centre Eimhin Burns was most impressive, scoring the third try after chasing a loose ball over the line. Barry Flanagan did well with the conversion.

For Clongowes, an afternoon of errors among the backs greatly inhibited their challenge and a lone penalty by Robert Fagan midway through the first half was the best they could muster.

Newbridge College: B Flanagan; M Smith, E Burns, A Clarke, D Griffith; J Murphy, B McGrath; D Kerin, L Jacobs, I O'Connor, E Tully, D Snell, J Holmes (capt), R Finan, A Kavanagh.

Clongowes Wood College: M Cronin; D Dorgan, M Regan, M Hickey Crowe, A Smith; K Finane, M Soraghan; P Walsh, G Moran, C Clancy (capt), R Fagan, A Kelly, J Maloney, G Murphy, S Nolan. Replacements: M Connolly for Soraghan (40 mins), D O'Brien for Maloney, R Kearney for Cronin (both 58 mins).

Referee: P Gray (Leinster Branch)