Final Bound - Mountmellick overcome 10-point deficit to down Creagh
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Mountmellick Community School 24
Creagh College 10
MOUNTMELLICK Community School pulled off a spectacular second-half turnaround, overcoming a 10-point deficit to defeat Creagh College 24-10 and book their spot in the Leinster Rugby Junior Development Shield final.
Trailing 10-0 at the 30-minute interval after battling the elements, Mountmellick rallied over the final half-hour, scoring 24 unanswered points led by influential performances across the field.
Creagh dominated wind-swept first half with the opening 30 minutes belonging entirely to Wexford school, who used the challenging wind and rain at their backs to dominate territory. Mountmellick were pinned deep in their own half for most of the period.
Scrambling defence, led by the tenacious efforts of scrum-half Conor Hibbitts at the base of the ruck, kept Creagh's lead to two unconverted tries, resulting in a 10-0 scoreline at the interval. With Mountmellick unable to generate effective attack, the tie seemed to be slipping away.
The half-time whistle proved to be the pivotal moment. Mountmellick emerged for the final 30 minutes a rejuvenated team, embracing the improved conditions and unleashing an intense attack.
The comeback was initiated 15 minutes into the second period by first centre Brian Kelly, whose strength and vision were pivotal to the team's attacking structure. Kelly crossed for the first of Mountmellick's four tries and slotted the subsequent conversion, immediately signalling the shift in momentum.
Despite the pressure, Creagh College's powerful scrum remained a major weapon. However, Mountmellick's defensive line held firm, with fullback Jack Culleton fielding the ball expertly and relieving pressure, ensuring the momentum stayed with Mountmellick.
With the backline creating space, winger Alex Connelly and centre Cillian Dunne consistently made line breaks.
The decisive scores were delivered by the powerful running of No. 8, Riain Guinan. Exploiting the space created by the centres, Guinan delivered two crucial tries in quick succession. His first equalised the scores, and his second, converted by Brian Kelly, pushed Mountmellick into the lead for the first time.
The victory was finally secured in the dying minutes when Cillian Dunne crossed for a decisive score. Brian Kelly slotted the final conversion, bringing his personal tally to nine points and securing the final scoreline of 24-10.
This victory, forged through grit and a thrilling final 30 minutes, sends Mountmellick Community School into the Junior Development Shield final against Boyne CS, Trim who defeated St Me’s College in their semi-final. The final is scheduled to be played at Donnybrook on Thursday next, 11 December.
All support for the boys as they aim for the Shield would be greatly appreciated.
MOUNTMELLICK CS: Jack Culleton; Jay Lee, Cillian Dunne, Brian Kelly, Alex Connolly; Finn O’Rpourke, Conor Hibbits; Ruairi Connell, Cody McGuinness, Schalk Van der Merwe; Jason Fallon, Joshua Gowling; Liam O’Connor, Jack Blanc, Ríain Guinan.
Replacements: Mason White, Jamie Gallagher, Noah Mugalu, Mohannad Chamma, Alfie Brazil, Fynn Loughnane, Michael Conroy, Cody Foot.
