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The class of 2018: Belvo bid for three-in-a-row as Leinster Schools Senior Cup returns This year’s competition gets underway tomorrow.

Jan 27th 2018, THE SERIOUS BUSINESS begins now.

In no other sport does a breeding ground quite like the Leinster Schools Senior Cup exist, and as this year’s edition of the competition gets underway, the pathway for the class of 2018 has never been more defined.

Belvedere College will be the team to beat again this yea Belvedere College, the defending champions, begin their quest for three-in-a-row against Gonzaga College in an opening fixture which marks the beginning of the show-piece event of the schools rugby season.

The action is already underway in Munster, Ulster and Connacht and over the course of the next two months, the next generation of stars across all four provinces are given a platform to exhibit their ability and make a name for themselves.

Just as importantly, however, is the competition’s facility to provide a stage for young players to learn, grow and develop, while also producing some enthralling, free-flowing rugby which seems to get better which

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each passing year.

Standout players from 2017 are already making strides in the Leinster academy, most notably former St Fintan’s prop Jack Aungier and Belvo’s fullback Hugh O’Sullivan, both of whom are also involved with the Ireland U20s this year.

They’re just two of countless examples from recent times, see also Jordan Larmour’s extraordinary rise from gracing this competition in St Andrew’s College colours just two years ago. A natural passageway to the professional game exists.

2017 was the year of black and white again, and certainly Belvo will be the team to beat once more. Phil Werahiko has enlisted the help of previous winners Brian Egan, last year’s captain Max Kearney and O’Sullivan as part of his coaching set-up, while 16 of their squad were involved last term.

Out-half David Hawkshaw, who led Leinster U19 to inter-pro success, skippers Belvo while number eight Ruadhan Byron is likely to be another key figure in the Northside school’s title defence.

Belvo’s credentials are likely to be tested straight away as they face last year’s semi-finalists Gonzaga in what promises to be a pulsating first round tie at Donnybrook on Sunday [KO 3pm].

“Our lads have been looking forward to this for a while now and are really looking forward to facing up to the challenge from a well prepared and talented Gonzaga team,” head coach Werahiko said.

David Hawkshaw captains Belvo in 2018.

“We are well aware of the strengths they possess and have had to prepare accordingly, for what we expect to be a full on first round battle.”

Gonzaga enjoyed a memorable run to the last four in 2017 and picked up a head of steam before Christmas by progressing to the league final, only to lose by five points to St Gerard’s in the decider.

‘Zaga’s devastating backline and running game was a hallmark of their campaign last year, and centres Brian O’Donnell and Eoin Barr will again provide a threat outside a powerful pack led by captain Robbie Kidney.

Monday sees the tie of the round down for decision, as two heavyweights in the form of Terenure College and St Michael’s College collide.

10-time winners Terenure have 16 players back from last year and will be looking to build on their quarter-final exit to Blackrock with Leinster underage representatives Sam Dardis, Ross McInnes, Jack Cooke and Adam La Grue making John Coffey’s side a dangerous proposition.

St Michael’s are fully aware of the challenge awaiting them as they look to lift the Senior Cup for the third time and first since 2012.

There are exciting prospects in their panel, too, most notably second row Ryan Baird, back row Scott Penny and centre David Ryan who have all represented Leinster and Ireland.

“We have a very competitive squad which has made selecting the strongest team very challenging, many more than 15 would do a great job,” Michael’s head coach Emmet MacMahon says.

“We are not looking any further than the first round and Terenure College, as they are a brilliant side with great coaches and a school nearly twice our size. If we win that game we will have done very well.”

While Belvo are the favourites, many people will be keeping a close eye on Blackrock College, the competition’s protagonists with a record 68 titles, as they look to end their Senior Cup drought.

Beaten in last year’s decider at the RDS, Blackrock are fully locked and loaded for another tilt in 2018 and are led by Ireland schools centre Liam Turner, while Tom Maher, props Cian Duffy and Thomas Clarkson, hooker Sean Molony, lock James Burke and flanker Michael McGagh are all back and no doubt keen to go one step further this time around.

Tom Maher will be a key player for Blackrock again.

Their first assignment is by no means a straightforward one as Castleknock eye a first round upset while Presentation College Bray and Newbridge College both enter the competition on Wednesday as dark horses following strong league campaigns.

On Thursday, eir Sport will televise their first game of the year as St Gerard’s College meet St Fintan’s High School while in Clontarf RFC, Clongowes Wood will be the favourites to overcome The King’s Hospital.

St Gerard’s are certainly a team to watch after storming to league success before the turn of the year and in scrum-half Cormac Foley — capped at Ireland U18

level — have one of the outstanding young talents in the country.

Captain Ethan Baxter, Charles Byrne, Ben Watson and Max O’Reilly are all players to watch out for but Jason Emery’s men will be under no illusions of the challenge Fintan’s pose, with the Sutton school back for a second-ever appearance at this level after last year’s heroics.

In addition to Thursday’s clash, eir Sport will broadcast live coverage of all four quarter-finals, the semi-finals and the St Patrick’s Day decider at the RDS, while the channel will also show the Munster Senior Cup final from Thomond Park.

The final day of first round ties sees a fascinating double-header as St Mary’s College — tipped by many this year — meet St Andrew’s while Vinnie Murray Cup qualifiers Wesley College face 2015 winners Roscrea, who must be considered front-runners once again.

Rathmines school Mary’s have Leinster talent in their ranks in Adam McEvoy and Niall Hurley and the fivetime winners will be favourites to get past Andrew’s, but Ian Dumbleton’s side have enjoyed a resurgence of their own in recent years.

Having advanced to the semi-finals in 2014, the Booterstown school haven’t been able to rich those dizzy heights since but three first round exits doesn’t really reflect the potential they possess.

Jordan Larmour has been part of the St Andrew’s coaching staff.

Larmour and Andrew Porter — both of whom could be in Paris next Friday — have been back to their alma mater to aid preparations and Andrew’s will be targeting an early upset.

“As a senior cup squad we embrace the challenge ahead,” Dumbleton said. “This is an opportunity to test ourselves against the top teams and our aim is to ensure we challenge our opposition and give a positive account of St Andrew’s College rugby.”

May the best team win.

Leinster Senior Schools Cup fixtures: All 3pm kicks off at Donnybrook, unless otherwise stated Sunday 28 January: • Belvedere College v Gonzaga College Monday 29 January: • Terenure College v St Michael’s College Tuesday 30 January: • Blackrock College v Castleknock College Wednesday 31 January: • Newbridge College v Presentation College Bray Thursday 1 February: • Clongowes Wood College v The King’s Hospital, Clontarf RFC • St Fintan’s High School v St Gerard’s School Friday 2 February: • St Mary’s College v St Andrew’s College • Wesley College v Cistercian College Roscrea, Clontarf RFC

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Blackrock live to fight another day after holding their nerve to see off brave Castleknock The 68-time winners were pushed all the way but eventually flexed their muscle to advance to the quarter-finals.

Jan 30th 2018,

Blackrock College 46 Castleknock College 20 Ryan Bailey reports from Donnybrook FOR A SIGNIFICANT chunk of this see-sawing Leinster Senior Schools Cup clash, there was persuasive evidence to suggest Castleknock had enough about them to spring the competition’s first shock of 2018.

But Blackrock, chasing an elusive 69th title following four barren years, managed to hold their nerve and regain control of the tie having surrendered an early 14-point lead.

Blackrock celebrate victory with their fans.

The scoreboard suggests this was a comfortable afternoon’s work for Justin Vanstone’s side, but it was anything but as they were given a real scare by a Castleknock outfit who showed enormous character and spirit to recover from a slow start.

Tries either side of half-time from Max Mellett and Conor Neville reignited the game as a contest but with the scores level at 20-20 and a grandstand finish in store, Blackrock then moved through the gears again to flex their considerable muscle.

Fullback Stephen Madigan finished with 21 points, including a brace of tries, while hooker Sean Molony and number eight Michael McGagh both crossed twice as Castleknock’s brave challenge faded away in the final quarter.

In the end, ‘Rock scored seven tries and had a 26-point buffer to show for their efforts with Madigan and scrum-half Ross Barron both impressing in the backline, while Sean O’Brien, James Burke and McGagh all provided industry in the engine room.

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Huge credit must go to Castleknock, coached by former Ireland out-half Jeremy Staunton, who had a real go and on another day could very well have pulled off a major result.

But it’s Blackrock who live to fight another day, as they advance to Friday’s quarter-final draw with their campaign up and running, albeit after a real test of their credentials.

From the first whistle, they looked to stamp their authority on proceedings and as they raced into a three-try lead, one-sided game was a distinct possibility.

Out-half James Tarrant pinged a penalty deep into Castleknock territory and when the driving maul picked up a head of steam, there was only going to be one outcome — although referee Tim Townend firstly said it had been held up, before deciding that the ball had been grounded, by McGagh, under a pile of bodies.

Tries number two and three were shortly on their way, despite the boot of Cian Egenton getting Castleknock on the board.

Blackrock don’t appear to contain the same physical punch up front as some of their competitors — an assertion based purely on size — but what they do have is a dynamic and mobile pack, who ensured clean and quick ball for their lethal backline to cause damage.

Big carries from McGagh and then Burke brought them up towards the Castleknock line and although ‘Rock were initially held up, the resulting five metre saw Barron dart around the short side and pop it for Madigan, who had run a beautiful line from deep to finish from close range.

Barron was heavily involved in the next score, too, as his step inside and a deft offload for the supporting O’Brien set the second row free for the line. ‘Rock’s wide running game and ability to keep the ball alive in the tackle complements their pack’s hard-hitting work around the fringes.

Castleknock, to their credit, managed to take the sting out of ‘Rock’s initial onslaught with a period of sustained possession of their own, and as they grew in confidence after Tom Maher was sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle, were rewarded on the stroke of half-time.

Egenton kicked for the corner, and the pack maintained the forward momentum with a series of powerful drives, and with a penalty advantage, spread it out wide where the space appeared to open up for centre Max Gerhardt only for Madigan to come bolting off the line to hit man and ball.

Back we went, though, and the relentless pressure eventually told as scrum-half Neville took the penalty quickly to allow Mellett dive over the top. A lifeline for the eight-time winners and their tails were up.

Seven minutes into the second half, they were level. A turnover penalty in midfield set the platform and after another period of patient and controlled possession, Neville caught ‘Rock napping out wide and ran it home uncontested. 17-17. Game on.

But it only served to wake ‘Rock up and after Madigan and Egerton had exchanged penalties, Vanstone’s charges upped the tempo and in scoring four more tries, ensured there would be no slip-up on their part.

Madigan grabbed his second of the day after a brilliant looping pass off his wrong side from Barron and then Molony was the man to finish another powerful rolling maul in this near corner.

The hooker went over again shortly after and the scoring was rounded off by the impressive McGagh, much to the delight of the Blackrock supporters in the stands.

Blackrock scorers:Tries: Sean Molony [2], Stephen Madigan [2], Sean O’Brien, Michael McGagh [2] Penalties: Stephen Madigan [1 from 1] Conversions: Stephen Madigan [4 from 7]Castleknock scorers: Tries: Max Mellett, Conor Neville Penalties: Cian Egenton [2 from 2] Conversions: Cian Egenton [2 from 2] BLACKROCK COLLEGE: 15. Stephen Madigan, 14. Rory Madigan, 13. Liam Turner (captain), 12. Tom Maher, 11. Harry Donnelly, 10. James Tarrant 9. Ross Barron; 1. Donnacha Mescal, 2. Sean Molony, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Sean O’Brien, 5. Jack Stapleton, 6. James Burke, 7. Josh Dixon, 8. Michael McGagh.

Replacements: 16. Luke Mion, 17. Hugo O’Malley, 18. John Kirby, 19. Daniel Foley, 20. Jack Loscher, 21. Louis O’Reilly, 22.

Gavin Jones, 23. David Fitzgibbon.

Blackrock College avoid quarter-final upset thanks to late drop-goal

St Gerard’s of Bray were on the verge of a major shock but ultimately missed out on a semi-final spot.

Feb 18th 2018

Celebrations for Blackrock College at the final whistle Blackrock College 19 St Gerard’s School 17 A MAJOR SHOCK was on the cards for the majority of this absorbing encounter at Donnybrook Stadium, but following a superb 62nd-minute drop-goal by Stephen Madigan, Blackrock College edged past St Gerard’s School, Bray in the quarter-final of the Leinster Schools Senior Cup. The 68-time champions were staring defeat in the face when they trailed 14-3 at the break, after Oliver Haydock and Cormac Foley had both crossed over for Gerard’s. The north Wicklow boys remained in the ascendancy at the beginning of the final-quarter, before Madigan’s try offered Blackrock a new lease of life.

They gradually increased the pressure on Gerard’s as the final whistle approached, and Tarrant’s timely intervention ensured that they ultimately booked their place in the last-four.

Gerard’s were viewed as rank outsiders heading into for this encounter. However, with Leinster underage star Ethan Baxter and hooker Robert Byrne driving forward at will, they deservedly took the lead in the 15th-minute.

St Gerard’s School’s Paddy Opperman under pressure from Rory Madigan of Blackrock After he picked up possession five metres from the Blackrock line, outside centre Haydock grounded the ball against the padding for a deadlock-breaking score — which he also converted.

It was expected that this would be a wake-up call for ‘Rock — whose most recent Senior Cup success was back in 2014 — but they instead fell further behind just shy of the half-hour mark.

After catching his own chipped kick close to the ‘Rock posts, Foley touched down beyond the whitewash in spectacular style.

Another bonus strike by his midfield partner stretched the Gerard’s advantage to all 14 points — although their opponents finally opened their account through a Tarrant penalty at the tail end of the half.

A reinvigorated ‘Rock cut the gap to five points just after the resumption with a brace of successful place-kicks by the reliable Tarrant, and subsequently gained a temporary numerical advantage when Gerard’s full-back Max O’Reilly was sent to the sin-bin.

Gerard’s responded well in his absence, though, and Haydock’s coolly-converted penalty on 45 minutes helped them to settle back into the proceedings. By the time of O’Reilly’s return, ‘Rock were still searching for a way through a stubborn opposition defence.

Dejection after the game for Charles Byrne of St Their persistence eventually paid off in the form of a Madigan try in the left-corner, following excellent approach work from Tarrant and replacement scrum-half Louis O’Reilly. Madigan’s outstanding touchline conversion cut the gap to the bare minimum (17-16), setting the game up for a grandstand finale in the process.

With the clock moving beyond 60 minutes, ‘Rock established territory deep inside the Gerard’s half. This allowed Tarrant to move back into pocket, and he split the posts from outside the ’22’ to edge his side in front for the very first time.

This was a cruel blow for a Gerard’s team that secured the Leinster Senior League crown back in December, but at the end of a compelling battle, it was Blackrock who prevailed.

Blackrock College scorers Tries: Stephen Madigan Penalties: James Tarrant [3 from 3] Conversions: Stephen Madigan [1 from 1] Drop-goal: Stephen Madigan [1 from 1]

St Gerard’s College scorers Tries: Oliver Haydock, Cormac Foley Penalties: Oliver Haydock [1 from 1] Conversions: Oliver Haydock [2 from 2] BLACKROCK COLLEGE: 15. Stephen Madigan; 14. Rory Madigan (22. Gavin Jones 16’-23’), 13. Liam Turner (captain), 12. Tom Maher, 11. Harry Donnelly; 10. James Tarrant, 9. Ross Barron; 1.

Hugo O’Malley (17. Cian Duffy 43’), 2. Sean Molony, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Sean O’Brien, 5. Jack Stapleton, 6. Josh Dixon, 7.

Jack Loscher, 8. Michael McGagh.

Blackrock lay down title credentials with big semi-final win over Mary’s The 68-time winners powered into next week’s decider with a six-try win at Donnybrook.

Mar 6th 2018,

Ruairi Shields is tackled by Blackrock’s Stephen Madigan.

Blackrock College 42 St Mary’s College 15 Ryan Bailey reports from Donnybrook AS FAR AS big semi-final performances go, this was a real statement of intent from Blackrock as they flexed their considerable muscle to power into the Leinster Senior Schools Cup decider for a second year running.

It was a great shame St Mary’s were unable to replicate the level of performance which had seen them reach this juncture of the competition, but they never settled into the occasion and the contest was over before it ever got going as Blackrock ran in six tries to lay down their title credentials.

And certainly on this evidence, coupled with their imposing wins over Castleknock and St Gerard’s, Justin Vanstone’s side have enough in their armoury to end the school’s four-year drought on St Patrick’s weekend.

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Physically, they aren’t the biggest side but a dynamic pack once again provided the go-forward ball and platform for their thrilling backline, led by captain Liam Turner and flying wingers Liam McMahon and Harry Donnelly, to cut Mary’s apart.

Jamie Cornett’s charges were simply unable to deal with the pace and handling skills Blackrock possessed and Mary’s were also guilty of shooting themselves in the foot on occasion, most notably when Sean Bourke’s kick was charged down by Donnelly for Blackrock’s third try.

By that stage, Mary’s were already chasing the game after Blackrock had exerted their dominance from the first minute with McMahon finishing off a period of pressure inside the opening exchanges.

The second score was the highlight. A powerful scrum laid the platform for a glorious training ground move which involved James Tarrant and Turner’s reverse offload for Donnelly to cut through and dot down under the posts.

They will watch Wednesday’s second semi-final between holders Belvedere and St Michael’s with interest, but will go to the RDS brimming with confidence that this is the year Blackrock will end their wait for title number 69.

Blackrock scorers: Tries: Liam McMahon [2], Harry Donnelly [2], Thomas Clarkson, Gavin Jones.

Penalties: James Tarrant [1 from 1], Stephen Madigan [1 from 1] Conversions: Stephen Madigan [1 from 3], James Tarrant [2 from 2], Rory Madigan [0 from 1] St Mary’s scorers:Tries: Joe Nolan, Hugo Conway Penalties: Ruairi Shields [1 from 1] Conversions: Ruairi Shields [1 from 2] BLACKROCK COLLEGE: 15. Stephen Madigan; 14. Liam McMahon, 13. Liam Turner (captain), 12. Tom Maher, 11. Harry Donnelly; 10. James Tarrant, 9. Louis O’Reilly; 1. Donnacha Mescal, 2. Sean Molony, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Sean O’Brien, 5.

Jack Stapleton, 6. Josh Dixon, 7. Michael McGagh, 8. Ed Brennan.

Replacements: 16. Luke Mion, 17. Cian Duffy, 18. Hugo O’Malley, 19. Daniel Foley, 20. Jack Loscher, 21. Ross Barron, 22. Gavin Jones, 23. Rory Madigan.

In a statement released on Sunday morning, Leinster Rugby said: “the health and safety of the Belvedere College and Blackrock College players, as well as their supporters travelling to and from the stadium, is of utmost importance and as a result the match has been postponed.”

The game will go ahead on Friday, 23 March at 2.00pm in the RDS Arena.

Blackrock turn on the style to end four-year wait for Senior Cup glory

Belvedere College 12 Blackrock College 35 Ryan Bailey reports from the RDS FOUR YEARS AFTER last lifting the Leinster Senior Schools Cup, title number 69 for Blackrock College may just have been worth the wait.

It could very well be one of their sweetest, as the class of 2018 — impressively powerful and clinical — swatted the two-time defending champions Belvedere College to one side.

now-covered RDS sees today’s Leinster Rugby Schools Senior Cup final called off.

Fullback Stephen Madigan once again impressed for Blackrock The winger was over for his second shortly after when he pounced on Bourke’s attempted grubber through, and McMahon crossed again in this near corner before the break to make it 30-3 at the interval.

Mary’s, to their credit, batted resolutely and were rewarded with two late scores of their own, but it took them too long to produce the brand of attacking rugby which had dispatched St Andrew’s and Roscrea in the earlier rounds.

Replacement flanker Joe Nolan finished off a period of sustained Mary’s territory and Hugo Conway then streaked cleared of the Blackrock defence moments later after Tim MacMahon’s initial break.

But ultimately it was one hurdle too many for the Rathmines school in this campaign, as Blackrock finished with a flurry through Gavin Jones to book their place in the final in emphatic fashion.

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A pitch inspection took place at 7.30am but the decision was made soon after to postpone this year’s decider between Belvedere and Blackrock.

Mar 18th 2018, 10:11 AM 15,276 Views No Comments Share5 Tweet Email DESPITE THE BEST efforts of ground staff at the RDS, today’s Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Schools Senior Cup Final has been postponed due to overnight snow in and around the stadium.

The Belvedere College squad sing with their fans after winning Belvedere are the reigning champions.

Source: Colm O’Neill/INPHO A first pitch inspection took place at 7.30am this morning and while the pitch itself was covered overnight and was in good condition under the covers, consistent and heavier snow fall this morning would have made playing conditions near impossible.

Blackrock captain Liam Turner lifts the Senior Cup trophy.

As far as big occasion performances go, this was as good as you’re likely to see as Blackrock, seeking vengeance for defeat to Belvo in last year’s decider, produced a ruthless five-try display to reign supreme again.

It was always going to take something special to end the northside school’s two-year grip on this trophy and Blackrock, superior in nearly every facet, saved their best for last to seal a memorable double for the school after their Junior Cup success earlier in the week.

The game was over as a contest as early as the opening quarter and while it was a great shame Belvo didn’t show up for the first 35 minutes, Blackrock were in ruthless form to score four firsthalf tries.

Michael McGagh set his side on their way from close range be-

fore winger Liam McMahon scored either side of out-half James Tarrant, as Blackrock’s power and dynamism around the park proved too much for Belvo to handle.

Phil Werahiko’s charges improved as the game wore on but they had given themselves far too much to do as replacement scrumhalf Ross Barron then sniped over to seal a comfortable victory for Blackrock.

Led by talismanic captain Liam Turner, Blackrock’s pack worked tirelessly to ensure quick ball for their thrilling backline and then when questions were asked of their rearguard in the second half, they stood firm to ensure there was no mistake this time around.

“It was our best performance all year, that is all we wanted to do,” Turner said afterwards, before becoming the latest Blackrock captain to lift the Senior Cup trophy.

The result was never really in doubt, although the returning David Hawkshaw looked to get Belvo off to a bright start as he collected his own kick, before hitting the supporting Alistair Loughrey on his right shoulder, only for Blackrock to scramble and bundle Matthew Grogan into touch on the far side.

Tarrant was the man to track back and make the try-saving intervention, and the out-half would become the contest’s main protagonist as he pulled the strings for Blackrock in the pivot position.

Liam McMahon scored twice in the first half.

Blackrock were sharper in every department and quick ball allowed Louis O’Reilly to provide crisp distribution for a lively backline to cause serious damage, particularly down this right side in the first period.

As it was, the opening score came courtesy of the forwards as Blackrock made inroads around the fringes and had too much power in the loose as Thomas Clarkson carried to within a couple of inches, allowing McGagh to finish the job.

The second wasn’t long in coming. Donnacha Mescal and Sean

Molony carried powerfully and when the forwards weren’t getting any reward for their toil under the posts, O’Reilly flung a skip pass right for McMahon to run it over uncontested.

Belvedere were all over the place, and it was all one-way traffic.

The defending champions’ against-all-odds semi-final comeback win over St Michael’s had seemingly drained their reserves and it was evident from the as early as the opening quarter that they were struggling to live with Blackrock’s energy.

Justin Vanstone’s side were clinical in the opening period, and the scoreboard read 21-0 after 15 minutes when Tarrant darted over for a converted score.

Blackrock’s back row unit were immense in hitting rucks hard and ensuring clean ball for O’Reilly and Tarrant to orchestrate proceedings, and with Belvo slow to organise themselves defensively, it was easy pickings.

Michael McGagh impressed for Blackrock.

McGagh is an impressive operator at openside and carried a powerful threat with ball in hand as well as getting through colossal work alongside Josh Dixon, second row Sean O’Brien and Ed Brennan.

It was blindside flanker Dixon who provided the link for a brilliantly executed set-piece move for the match-winning score after Belvo had threatened to mount another unlikely fightback through James Gleeson.

The lineout provided a solid platform and after McGagh and Jack Stapleton had got across the gain line in the middle of the park, O’Reilly and Dixon linked to feed McMahon, who had picked a glorious running line from deep.

The winger still had plenty to do and although he had the supporting and ever-willing Tarrant on his inside shoulder, backed himself to glide past David Lacey and race home, for a 28-7 halftime lead. No coming back from that.

It was a great shame Belvo had started so slowly because there were glimpses in the second half from the Great Denmark Street school of the work-rate and fight which had eluded them in leaking four first-half tries.

Replacement flanker Cian Scott reduced the arrears on the scoreboard after finishing off a powerful and compact rolling maul, but Blackrock were otherwise unwavering in their defensive duty, with Turner leading from the front in that regard.

Then came the coup de grace.

Sean Molony celebrates Blackrock’s fifth try.

Tom Maher turned defence into attack with a stunning, slaloming break from his own 22, only bettered by his one-handed offload for winger Harry Donnelly. Belvo scrambled back but the white and blue shirts were there en masse to recycle quickly, with Barron finishing from close range.

Senior Cup winners again in some style.

Belvedere scorers: Tries: James Gleeson, Cian Scott Conversions: David Lacey [1 from 2] Blackrock scorers: Tries: Michael McGagh, Liam McMahon [2], James Tarrant, Ross Barron.

Conversions: James Tarrant [4 from 4], Stephen Madigan [1 from 1] BLACKROCK COLLEGE: 15. Stephen Madigan; 14. Liam McMahon, 13. Liam Turner (captain), 12. Tom Maher, 11. Harry Donnelly; 10. James Tarrant, 9. Louis O’Reilly; 1. Donnacha Mescal, 2. Sean Molony, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Sean O’Brien, 5.

Jack Stapleton, 6. Josh Dixon, 7. Michael McGagh, 8. Ed Brennan.

Replacements: 16. Luke Mion, 17. Cian Duffy, 18. Hugo O’Malley, 19. Daniel Foley, 20. Jack Loscher, 21. Ross Barron, 22. Gavin Jones, 23. Rory Madigan.

Referee: Nigel Correll.

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BLACKROCK COLLEGE SCT 2018 Stephen Madigan, Liam McMahon, Liam Turner (captain), Tom Maher, Harry Donnelly; James Tarrant, Louis O’Reilly, Donnacha Mescal, Sean Molony, Thomas Clarkson, Sean O’Brien, Jack Stapleton, Josh Dixon, Michael McGagh, Ed Brennan, Luke Mion, Cian Duffy, Hugo O’Malley, Daniel Foley, Jack Loscher, Ross Barron, Gavin Jones, Rory Madigan.

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