Scoil Chríost Rí crowned Leinster Senior League champions

Leinster Senior League Final 

Scoil Chríost Rí Portlaoise 32 

Ardscoil na Tríonóide Athy 22 

SCOIL Chríost Rí were crowned Leinster Rugby Senior League champions after a gripping, high-quality final played in torrential rain under the lights at Energia Park.

Ardscoil na Tríonóide dominated the opening five minutes with possession and strong ruck work, setting up pods outside the nine and attacking in a manner similar to SCR. Despite powerful runners in their backline, they made little ground against SCR’s trademark defence, with dominant tackles from Aoibheann Conroy, Saffron Adams, Lily Brophy and captain Rebecca Cahill.

Once SCR settled and gained possession, the momentum swung decisively. The backline was in outstanding form, with sharp switch, slide and back-door plays repeatedly unsettling the Ardscoil defence. Amarachi Obi opened the scoring out wide, followed by tries from Rebecca Cahill and Saffron Adams to establish a 15–0 lead before Ardscoil struck back on the stroke of half-time to make it 15–5.

SCR’s forwards provided a strong platform throughout, despite occasional isolation. Scrum-half Grainne Buggy controlled proceedings superbly and distributed with real composure, all the more impressive given she does not play club rugby.

At out-half, Molly Fitzpatrick delivered the performance of her career, attacking the line confidently and releasing quality ball to the electric Aoibheann Conroy and outstanding Player of the Match, Saffron Adams.

In the pack, Lily Brophy was relentless, carrying powerfully, tackling fiercely and winning turnover after turnover in a dominant openside display. Mila Mihajlovic, returning from illness, was immense and unlucky not to score after being held up over the line. Jessica Delaney was impeccable at six, while Blathnaid Kehoe, playing at lock, carried like an extra centre in the forward pods.

Emma Scully was arguably SCR’s standout forward, combining strong ball-carrying with excellent scrummaging, well supported in the front row by Emma Finlay and Kate Ging. Kate Scully also put in a huge shift in the second row as SCR established scrum dominance.

Early in the second half, further intricate backline play pushed the lead to 20–5 and then 25–5. Ruby Maguire was introduced at half-time for Kate Ging, adding experience and physicality to the forward unit. A yellow card for Saffron Adams following an attempted interception then gave Ardscoil an opening, and they capitalised with two tries, one converted, to close the gap to 25–17.

With just under 20 minutes remaining, Freya Stanley made a welcome return as she continues her journey back to full fitness, replacing Molly Jane Dempsey after an excellent performance on the wing. On Adams’ reintroduction after her sin bin, she made immediate impact, snaffling an interception which this time stuck, racing under the posts to score and convert and restore a commanding 32–17 lead with ten minutes to play.

As conditions worsened, SCR’s previously impeccable handling dipped, allowing Ardscoil a late consolation try from sustained forward pressure to make it 32–22. Late changes saw Chawa Gondwepule replace Amarachi Obi, herself returning to full fitness just in time for the final. Gondwepule continued her impressive development and was unfortunate not to feature from the start, underlining the depth within the SCR squad.

Ardscoil pressed once more from the restart, but Rebecca Cahill, positioned deep at full-back, gathered a high kick with conviction and, with the clock in the red, kicked the ball dead to spark jubilant celebrations among players, management and a superb contingent of over 100 SCR supporters.

The team extend sincere thanks to the outstanding supporters, whose “Chríost Rí’s on Fire” chants echoed throughout Donnybrook, and to the parents for their unwavering backing. It was a magical night of rugby, widely praised by Leinster officials in attendance.

Both teams completed fairytale debut seasons at Senior 15-a-side level, with the silverware heading to Portlaoise. SCR also congratulate Ardscoil na Tríonóide on their Junior side’s League title. A rematch in the cup is eagerly anticipated.

For Scoil Chríost Rí that Leinster Senior Cup campaign gets underway with a home fixture in Togher against St Kevin’s CC Dunlavin on Friday 23 January.

SCOIL CHRÍOST RÍ: Rebecca Cahill; Amarachi Obi, Saffron Adams, Aoibheann Conroy, Molly Jane Dempsey; Molly Fitzpatrick, Grainne Buggy; Emma Scully, Emma Finlay, Kate Ging; Kate Scully, Blathnaid Kehoe; Jessica Delaney, Lily Brophy, Mila Mihajlovic,.

Replacements: Chawa Gondwepule, Adah Ramsbottom, Vanessa Jannsen, Salma Valentine, Áine Farmer, Shauna Lalor, Ríona Nugent, Ruby Maguire, Ava Whelan.