TWO Liam Ryan strikes secured the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys and Schoolgirls League U16 Schoolboys Challenge Cup trophy for Castlelack in the same week the Brinny club’s U14s reached a Premier Division play-off.

Having overcome Bunratty United and Togher Celtic, Castlelack beat Drinagh Rangers 2-1 in the U16 Schoolboys Challenge Cup final at the newly revamped Canon Crowley Park astroturf pitch. The hosts were in control early on but neither side was able to create a chance of note until the 21st minute.

Harry Chambers collected a long clearance and released Liam Ryan. The Castlelack striker made no mistake and his team held their 1-0 lead until the half time whistle.

As expected, Rangers upped the tempo at the beginning of the second period. Joe O’Donovan brought parity to the score on the hour mark to set up a tense finish.

The next goal would prove vital and Castlelack netted it shortly after striking the crossbar.

Once again, Liam Ryan was in the right place at the right time. Ryan reacted quickest to a cross into Drinagh’s penalty area before sweeping home his and Castlelack’s second goal of the cup decider.

Rangers’ inability to conjure up a second equaliser saw the Brinny club run out winners before being presented with the U16 Schoolboys Challenge Cup trophy.

Castlelack: C Curtin, C Dullea, O O’Sullivan, J Hayes (captain), C Moroney, O O’Keefe, C Murphy, E Murphy, L Ryan, H Chambers, D McCarthy.

Subs: D Kiely, C Craig, O Keohane, C Sexton, J Lordan, S Platt, M Grace.

Drinagh Rangers: D Hurley, S McCarthy, C Lennon, S Mahon (captain), A Murphy, D Collins, K Twomey, T McCarthy, S Kingston, M O’Donovan, J O’Donovan.

Subs: J Coakley, B O’Sullivan, M McCarthy, M Daly, D Limrick, M Kinsella.

Referee: Tadgh Sheehan.

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The scenario was straightforward for Castlelack ahead of last week’s final U14 Schoolboys Premier Division clash with Dunmanway Town in Castletownkenneigh.

Trailing leaders Lyre Rovers by three points, nothing less than a victory would suffice if the Brinny club wanted to draw level with their title rivals and force a play-off for the league trophy.

Dunmanway also had a vested interest in the outcome of their final league fixture. Second placed Town started the evening a point behind Lyre in the league standings.

A draw would cement a play-off with Rovers while victory would see the U14 Schoolboys Premier Division trophy heading to Dunmanway.

Against that backdrop, a cracking game developed between two evenly-matched sides.

Castlelack broke the deadlock courtesy of an own goal after ten minutes. Their opponents hit back with Vittor Coutinho levelling prior to a third goal arriving shortly before the interval.

Jack Allen handed Castlelack a 2-1 half time lead and the Brinny side extended their advantage when Sean Evans scored early in the second period.

The award of a penalty presented Castlelack with a glorious opportunity to wrap up their victory. Jack Allen made no mistake and, despite Hugh McCarthy pulling one back, Castlelack ran out deserving 4-2 winners.

So, a play-off between Lyre Rovers and Castlelack will decide the destination of this season’s U14 Schoolboys Premier Division trophy.