TOP STORY
Our Junior Cup Team followed our Seniors into the Cup quarter-finals with a comprehensive 48:0 win over Wesley College.
Well done to all concerned and we look forward to Friday’s draw with great anticipation. In the Senior draw, Newbridge has been paired with C.B.C. Monkstown and this game is due to take place on Monday 11th February in Donnybrook with a kick off time of 4pm.
RUGBY
The Eller As travelled to Ranelagh to take on Gonzaga on Wednesday last. A shortened warm up due to late arrival meant we were caught cold at the start and conceded an intercept try within the first thirty seconds. Some good carrying from Dylan Morrisey and Karmon Fitzgerald gave us a foothold in the home side's 22 and Thomas Grant drove over from short range to tie the game up. Frustratingly, we conceded almost immediately when the Gonzaga centre found a hole in our midfield defence and raced fifty metres to score untouched under the posts. The hosts stretched their lead on the stroke of half time when their out half danced down the blindside to dot down in the corner to leave the score at 15 - 5. We started the second half well and Ben Howlett broke through a number of tackles to get us back within a score with 25 minutes to play. The next 10 minutes were spent camped in the Gonzaga 22 until another intercepted pass allowed their centre to run the length of the pitch and score under the posts. We fought hard for the rest of the game and a Conor Lowen try got us to within 7 points but it was too little too late as the final whistle blew immediately afterwards with the score at Gonzaga 22 - 15 Newbridge
The past few weeks have seen the beginning of the Junior B league. Newbridge were given a very tough task having been drawn in the same group as Wilson’s Hospital, St. Columba’s and St. Marys. The opening two games against Wilson’s Hospital and St. Columba’s have been played and despite 2 outstanding performances Newbridge just came up short. Wilson’s Hospital were difficult to contain as their more physical pack gave them a good foothold in the game while fine handling in their back line ensured clinical finishing. Newbridge did not shy away from the physicality and were unfortunate on a number of occasions not to cross the white wash. The final score Newbridge College 0 – Wilson’s Hospital 36.
Wednesday last saw the visit of St. Columba’s to the College and following a heavy defeat the week before Newbridge were determined to start well against a team who had just been knocked out of the Fr. Godfrey Cup. Newbridge began brightly with the forwards putting in a great shift up front. This cleared the way for a back line full of potential with Dave Berry and Robbie Hyland pulling the strings at 9 and 10. Their efforts were rewarded on 16 minutes with a great try which was duly converted by Robbie Hyland. A cross wind made it difficult for both teams but the standard of rugby displayed was exceptional. St. Columba’s enjoyed a purple patch in the middle third of the half and managed to draw level. The sides would trade tries before the break to leave the score 12-12 at half time. The second half began with in disappointing fashion for Newbridge as 2 early tries gave St Columba’s a head start that Newbridge would not peg back. Newbridge did not give up and replied with one of their own before Columba’s cancelled it out with a fine team try. Again Newbridge went in search of more and would score again before the end of the Match. The final score Newbridge College 24 – St. Columba’s 32.
There were some fine displays over the two games by Cillian O Brien, Ross Borton, Cormac Magee, Robbie Hyland, David Kennedy, Michael O Brien and Thomas Henry. Newbridge now travel to St Mary’s for the final group game looking to finish on a high.
Other results: Senior 4th’s 8 Terenure 41; Junior B 24 St Columba’s 32; Eller B 14 Gonzaga B 17; Eller C 0 Gonzaga 28.
HOCKEY
Junior A vs. St. Joesph's of Cluny League Quarter-Final Triumph:
The Junior A's brought home another proud victory to the College on Wednesday last, beating St. Joseph's of Cluny 2-1! They now progress to the semi-finals of the Leinster League and we wish them the very best of luck! Exciting events are in store in the next month for these talented Juniors!
Minor A vs. St. Joseph's of Cluny Plate Quarter-Final: Commiserations to the Minor A team who valiantly fought in their Leinster Plate quarter-final today. The girls put up a great fight but unfortunately lost 2-0 to a strong Cluny side. Well done to all on the day.
Minor C vs. Newpark: Hard luck to the Minor C team who were beaten 3-1 by Newpark this week. Well done to all involved and heads up for next time.
1st Year A vs. Loreto Beaufort:
The decisive match in the First year A league fixtures was against Loreto Beaufort, one of the premier schools in the Leinster league. A draw was sufficient for Loreto to go through, whereas the College girls needed to win. This team has matured with match practice and were not overawed by their opponents and played with great heart and attack. Caroline Kane was superb in goal, and the defence cleared every attack, at the other end, Emily O'Brien, Kate Hannon and Jenny Kelly were kept out by the very good Loreto keeper. Eventually, Megan Higgins blocked a Loreto clearance and from a very good pass, Kate slotted it for a well deserved goal. After half time the Dublin girls came out determined to get that goal, which after numerous attacks they did from sustained pressure.
From then on the college girls attacked and repelled everything thrown at them, Rachel McMullen did a huge amount of work and she and Kate put Loreto under pressure right to the end, getting 2 penalty corners at the end with the Loreto keeper making some spectacular saves. So it finished 1-1, Loreto went through, but the Newbridge girls got so close to putting one of the top hockey schools out, these girls are going to be playing premier league hockey in the years to come.
1st Year B vs. Santa Sabena:
Well done to the B team who beat Santa Sabina 2-1 today! Congratulations to all involved!
Good luck to the Senior 1st team who play Loreto the Green in the Leinster League this Friday at 5pm in Naas. Report to follow after midterm.