Senior Rugby Finally Claim Anne Rossiter Cup

The Seniors finally corrected their loss in last year’s decider, when taking the title on Wednesday March 20, at DLSP RFC grounds in Kilternan. 

In what was a worthy final, filled with some fabulous running rugby, it was East Glendalough (Wicklow Town) who put themselves to the fore early on with a breakaway try after just 90 seconds. 

However, the Newbridge pack dictated the restart & Patrick Corrigan – who was to have a big afternoon – helped by Cameron English – forced his way over.  Conn Kehoe converted.  However, the Wicklow opposition struck back off a line-out to lead after 15 minutes 12-7. 

Patrick “Colossus” Corrigan

But Corrigan was in no mood to allow them get a foothold & he again crossed the whitewash with a long arm reach.  Kehoe again followed up with the extras.  Newbridge now led for the first time & it was lengthened minutes later, when lovely link-up between Kehoe & Conor Martin, saw the out-half jink inside the cover to tap down behind the posts.  The subsequent conversion saw Patricians lead 21-12 at the break.

And it got better for Patricians – coached by Mr Burke, Mr McHugh & Newbridge RFC CCRO Neil Taylor – as Corrigan crossed for his hat-trick in the early stages of the 2nd half.  Speedy winger Kyle O’Brien showed his talent to race away from cover on the ring-wing to touch down minutes later & Newbridge were.

Kyle O’Brien reflects on his 2nd try

But credit to East Glendalough – who easily could have given up the ghost at this stage – as two tries from them, sandwiched another O’Brien effort and questions were being asked of the Newbridge mindset.

However up-stepped 6th years Kevin Commane (captain) & player of the match Corrigan to send Diarmuid Brannock on his way to touchdown & secure the Anne McInerney Cup finally.

Scorers:  Patrick Corrigan (3 tries); Kyle O’Brien (2 tries); Conor Martin & Diarmuid Brannock (1 try each); Conn Kehoe (5 conversions)

Captain Kevin Commane was a happy man