Rugby Sevens Victory

Posted on : April 3, 2019

On Wednesday 3^rd April the Sligo Grammar School U18s won the Plate in the IRFU National Sevens Rugby Competition. In the quarter final they defeated Bandon Grammar School, Munster Senior Cup Semi-Finalists, by 6 tries to 2. In the semi-final they played Castletroy College, Limerick, and, after going 14 – 0 down, SGS came back to win 19 – 14. The turning-point of that game was a try scored and converted by Hubert Gilvarry, just before half-time. Two minutes into the second half Mark McGlynn got a break-away try which was converted by William Whelan, to tie the score 14-all. In a nail-biting finish, following a sweeping move involving all players, James Whelan finished in the corner with a one-handed try, to give the Grammar School victory. In the final they faced Newbridge College, Leinster, whom they defeated 36 – 14. This game was never in doubt after a blistering start when Fiachra Staunton scored a try after making a break from 40 metres out. This was quickly followed by a try from James Whelan which was converted by his brother Will, bringing the score to 12 – 0. Almost immediately after this Fiachra Staunton broke through again and scored under the post. From the re-start Kacper Palamarczuk caught the ball and, with help from Matthew Earley, set up a ruck where the ball was moved quickly by Andrew Ward out to Hubert Gilvarry who scored the Grammar School’s fourth try of the half, to bring the score to 24 – 0. Just before the break Newbridge scored and SGS continued to dominate thanks to two further tries from James Whelan, with Newbridge getting a consolation try towards the end. The Grammar School had made 5 changes by this time, bringing on Joseph Asare, Matthew O’Hara, Lucas Codyre, Sean Ndego and Mark McMcGlynn. Overall this victory today was achieved by a great team performance from everyone on the panel.

The squad was: Joseph Asare, Sam Atumonyogo, Lucas Codyre, Matthew Earley, Jacob Fleming, Hubert Gilvarry, Mark McGlynn, Sean Ndego, Matthew O’Hara, Kacper Palamarczuk, Fiachra Staunton, Andrew Ward, (Captain), James Whelan, William Whelan.