Bantry boys one win from Munster final

ON February 24th, the boys’ U15 soccer team from Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí will host Cahir’s Coláíste Dun Iascaigh as the teams compete for a place in the FAIS Munster Cup final.

The team faced into a hectic schedule of games early in the new year. The clash with Carraigaline proved to be a thrilling end-to-end affair that typified the best of schoolboys’ soccer.

With both teams firmly committed to an attacking game throughout, a 3 – 3 scoreline brought the game into extra-time where CPB scored twice to gain the upper hand in the tie.

The quarter-final draw threw up a trip to Nagle Community College, Mahon. In this game CPB’s passing and pace was more than a match for the more direct and physical approach of their opponents and CPB dominated throughout to record a 4 – 1 victory and take their place in the semi-final.

In advance of their clash with Cahir in the Munster Cup, CPB were also on County Cup duty having been drawn away to Presentation Brothers College Cork.

PBC have an enviable pedigree across all age categories and, despite the fact that this year’s U17 and last year’s first year teams had been beaten at home by sides from the city school, the West Cork team produced a magnificent performance to clinch victory.

Concentrated and committed from the first kick of the ball, CPB were magnificent in defence and lethal in their counter attacks. The concession of two avoidable penalties belied the strength of the side’s performance as they battled to an excellent 3 – 2 victory.

CPB will be looking to the likes of brothers Ryan and Seanie O’Sullivan, team captain Darragh McElhinney and midfield stalwarts Botond Rozsa and Ayrton Doyle to continue the exceptional form produced in earlier rounds as they look to claim a place in the provincial decider.

Cup run: The Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí boys’ U15 soccer team that will face Colaiste Dun Iascaigh Cahir in the FAIS Munster Cup semi-final.