🏉 | Holders Gonzaga were overpowered by St.Michael's College in the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Senior Cup Semi-Final at #EnergiaPark on Monday

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#FromTheGroundUp

And to our boys: thanks for the entertaining and heroic performances this year. We finish an astonishing run with pride and stand with them in defeat as we do in victory. Thanks lads.

Congratulations to the Michael’s side, who were strong and focused throughout. All the best to them in the final.

Final score: Michael’s 32-0 Gonzaga.

Zaga attacking for pride, but a knock on and that should be that. Michael’s have an attacking scrum. They advance and will have a 5m scrum. They peel off and turn the knife once more. Clinical stuff and they go for the extras… good. 32-0 and it’s over.

Into injury time now and the battling Zaga boys are breached again, the Michael’s side breaking through on the far side. Flattering scoreline, I think, but they have given Zaga nothing today and were consistently tight and professional. 25-0. Zaga kick off once more.

Another attack comes to naught as we lose it on the ground. Michaels now drop an attacking ball and we have a defensive scrum while the wind picks up and the clock ticks on. 63 mins gone.

Possession bobbing between teams now, which suits Michael’s. Ref just stopped a Zaga attack because he’d already given a scrum to Zaga. But we have a good attacking chance now. 58 mins gone and 18-0 down.

Zaga attack in droves but are penalised for not releasing. Michael’s will breathe for now. Still 18-0.

Michael’s peel off a maul on our line and drop so it comes back for a penalty and this time they score. Con… missed. 18-0.

Zaga begin well and use the garryowen, under which our backs start to see some ball. This attack breaks down, though, before Michael’s give away a penalty.

Zaga will have a wind advantage in the second half and if there’s any team who like a comeback it’s this one. They’ll need to keep possession and get an early score against this strong St. Michael’s side. Teams back out and Zaga will attack Bective. 13-0, we trail.

Zaga build from the pen and break on the wing but a stray pass gives possession back to Michael’s. Half time and we trail 13-0. Still lots to play for and conditions make this a really interesting tie.

Aidan takes a high hit and Zaga get a penalty but no card. He’s on his feet, though, thank goodness.

Ball goes to ground and although I couldn’t see an infraction Michaels are given a kickable penalty. 13-0. 34 mins gone.

Another Michael’s penalty and they kick on but it goes dead under the supervision of JP.

Ref sees fit to give another Michael’s penalty and they’ll kick for points…. 10-0 to Michael’s. Zaga keeping it tight but not getting the rub of the green.

Micheals having a great deal of possession and Zaga have been called up on a wide range of infractions, disrupting flow. A great clearing kick from Michaels will put our lineout to the test again.

Michele’s keeping the ball well but Kennedy’s heroic defence steals the ball and Zaga earn a chance to move.

Try Michael’s: after pressure across the line they break the Zaga defence and ground close in. Con… good. 7-0 to Michaels with 18 mins gone.