Fr Godfrey Plate success for Wilson’s Hospital School side
Image 1 of 4
Seán Óg Ó Caoimh at full stretch in the lineout.Image 2 of 4
Team captain John Zummerchik was delighted to call the players up to receive their winners medals after the game.Image 3 of 4
David Trower collected his medal following the match.Image 4 of 4
The Wilson’s Hospital School, Multyfarnham team, George Flower, Mark Glynn, Yaw Appiah, Sean Óg O’Caoimh, Leke Mogaji, Shea ODonnell, Shane McGuigan, Callum Mulligan, John Zummerchik, Killian Bennett, David Trower, Josh Salley, Jake O’Neill, Darren Izekor, Marc Davis Replacements: Cian Furlong, Oliver Hjert, Lucas Mendez Garcia, Xavier Estrada, Jack McGovern, Jack Wheeler, Will Gouldsbury, Lochlann O’Reilly, George Hunter.Wilson’s Hospital School, Multyfarnham Junior Boys Rugby Team won the Father Godfrey Plate on Wednesday for the second time ever, with a 2-point victory over Catholic University School, Dublin.
The final took place in Terenure Rugby Club and conditions were perfect for rugby. The sun was shining, and the Lower Leeson Street school benefited from a light breeze blowing from the clubhouse end in the first half.
Wilson’s found themselves in this final after toppling Ard Scoil Na Trionoide in the semi-final 38-34. Wilson’s knew they would have to be much more solid in defence if they were to have any chance of silverware on this occasion.
CUS started this game the brighter and were 5-0 up after 10 minutes as Wilson’s struggled with the tempo CUS brought to the game. Some gritty buildup play from the pack narrowed the Wilson’s defence and a neat kick from the CUS number 10 found their left winger, who finished calmly in the corner. They narrowly missed the conversion.
From the resuming kick off, Wilson’s began to get a foothold in the game. Some strong carries from their props Yaw Appiah and George Flower had CUS on the backfoot. This turned out to be Wilson’s best period of play in the first half, and eventually bore fruit when number 8 Callum Mulligan powered over from close range. Out half Killian Bennett added the conversion to leave the scores 7-5 with 25 minutes gone.
CUS owned the ball for the remainder of the half and could have had at least two scores were it not for some excellent defending. There were some outstanding contributions from the Wilson’s back three of David Trower, Darren Izekor and Marc Davis. Wilson’s managed to hold their 2-point lead going into half time.
The second half was in many was a mirror of the first. CUS came out strong and Wilson’s really struggled to deal with their direct game. After 10 minutes of sustained pressure, CUS got over for a well-deserved score in the corner. The score was 12-7 with 15 minutes remaining.
Wilson’s responded impressively and took the fight to CUS. Team captain John Zummerchik kept the Multyfarnham school moving forward with some impressive touch finds and tap penalties.
The decisive score came from out half Killian Bennett, who used quick footwork to step around the CUS defence and slide in for a try. He showed nerves of steal to add the conversion and go two points ahead, 14 12, with 10 minutes to go.
CUS piled on the pressure in the last 10 minutes and did everything only score a try. Some incredible defensive work particularly from centres Josh Salley and Jake O’Neill managed to withstand the waves of CUS attack. Wilson’s held out to win 14-12 in what was an outstanding advert for schoolboy rugby. Well done to coaches Fred Butler, Francis Butler and Clare O’Brien.