IF YOU ARE a fan of schools rugby then you would have loved the end-to-end contest that was played out in Donnybrook this afternoon between St Michael’s and St Mary’s.
Michael’s came into the game priced at 1/40 to win and as 24-point favourites but St Mary’s dramatically took the lead twice before coming up just short in a thrilling five-try encounter that finished 19-14.
Mary’s took a shock lead early on after David Mathews grabbed an interception try but highly-rated Michael’s second row James Ryan levelled the match when he drove over.
The sides then swapped tries as St Mary’s led 14-12 before Michael’s fought back with a late five-pointer. The Rathmines school was camped on the opposition line at the death before knocking on and allowing the favourites to escape into the quarter-final.
Elsewhere in Leinster, there were first round wins for Cistercian College Roscrea and Newbridge College. Roscrea powered to a 26-0 over Wesley College while Newbridge walloped Kilkenny College 57-10.
In Munster, Castletroy College narrowly beat Glenstal Abbey 10-7 in their opening round clash.
A try from wing Colum Carroll, which was converted by Jamie Heuston gave Castletroy an early lead but Glenstal hit back through a score from fullback Colm Hogan, which was converted by Jack Stafford.
The winning score was kicked on 28 minutes by Heuston as Castletroy held out for the win.
And in Connacht, Marist College eked out a late 13-12 win over Garbally College.
