Mayo schools’ rugby battle ends in a draw

CONNACHT SENIOR SCHOOLS B SEMI-FINAL

Rice College Westport 17

St Gerald's Castlebar 17

In Westport

RICE College and St Gerald’s could not be separated after thrilling Connacht semi-final this afternoon. In sunny and dry conditions, one would have expected the backs to shine. But it was the forwards who did most of the flashy work. 

St Gerald’s were dominant in the first half thanks to a fantastic display from Number 8 Dylan Rice. In offence, the Ireland underage international was a powerful ball carrier, getting over the gain line at will, breaking off tackles and scoring his team’s first try only five minutes in. In defence, he was a constant menace in the ruck and won some important turnovers.

At half-time St Geralds led 12-5 with flanker Alex Dunlop diving over the whitewash for a second try. Rice College replied with a try from centre Harry Grimes, who combined nicely with his backline colleague Peter McNally off a well-executed lineout move.

Rice College were the more active team in the second half. Two tries from Tom Ginnelly, one of them masterfully converted from the side line by Cillian McKeown, gave Rice a 17-12 lead.

But the empire struck back. Matthew Flannelly equalised for St Gerald’s, but narrowly missed the chance to win when he sent a difficult conversion wide.

The teams will meet in a replay next Wednesday week in Castlebar, where St Gerald’s will enjoy home advantage.

A full match report will be carried in Tuesday’s Mayo News.