Roscommon CBS come unstuck in Connacht quarter final
Tom Biesty's five point haul wasn't enough to prevent Roscommon CBS from falling to Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in the Connacht Senior A quarter final
Roscommon CBS were thwarted in their attempts to progress through to the Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior A semi final as they came up against a well drilled Coláiste Bhaile Chláir side.
Noel Moran and Eoghan Coll’s side were dealt a blow with Sam Hannon, who was part of the county minor team that secured the Connacht title last year, missing out on this game.
Former Galway minor Sean O’Callaghan produced a Man of the Match display for the winners as he kicked 2-3 while troubling the Roscommon CBS defence with his direct running and distribution throughout.
Even though Seamie Carthy gave Roscommon CBS the ideal start, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir were always able to carve out chances at a higher rate. They provided an early warning shot when Jack Cryan rattled the crossbar when going for goal before the Claregalway school struck for 1-2 without reply.
The crucial goal came in the sixth minute as after Jack Kelly handpassed across goal, midfielder Sean Moran produced an excellent improvised punch to the net with his back facing the Roscommon CBS posts.
Roscommon CBS began to gain a measure of control in midfield but they struggled against Coláiste Bhaile Chlair’s physical defence. Chances were at a premium but Christian Donlon’s effort under pressure flew high and wide in what was his side’s first goal chance.
O’Callaghan raided for his side’s second goal in the 19th minute before his fierce low drive skidded just wide of the mark moments later. A major would have left 10 points between the sides.
Colin Murray’s effort ricocheted off the crossbar and flew over while two Tom Biesty scores cut Roscommon CBS’ deficit to 2-5 to 0-7 at the interval.
Seanie McDermott made this a one score game after 32 minutes and gave Roscommon CBS belief.
However, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir plundered 1-3 without reply to move the game beyond Roscommon CBS’ reach.
O’Callaghan kickstarted that run with a goal from the penalty spot after Jack Cryan was tripped inside the square.
That left Roscommon CBS 3-8 to 0-8 behind and even though they battled manfully, the margin proved too great to reel in as Coláiste Bhaile Chláir set up a semi final with St. Muredach’s College.
Full report in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald
