Scoil Chriost Ri 29 The High School (Dublin) 17
Leinster Senior League Rugby Semi Final
Scoil Chríost Rí booked their place in the Leinster Senior League Final with a superb 29–17 away win over The High School.
Coming through a brutally tough pool against Gorey Community School and St Mary’s New Ross, and receiving a bye in the quarter-final after St David’s conceded, SCR arrived in Rathgar knowing The High School would be a major test after their strong performance against Loreto Mullingar last week.
The occasion demanded resilience, accuracy, and heart—and this young SCR side delivered all three in abundance.
The High School flew out of the blocks. Their powerful carriers punched holes across the gainline and after ten minutes of sustained pressure they finally crossed for a converted try to lead 7–0.
SCR’s response was immediate and defiant. The forwards carried in well-organised pods, setting a strong platform that opened space out wide.
Captain and Ireland U-18 international Rebecca Cahill finished clinically on the wing to bring SCR right back into the contest.
The High School struck again after another multi-phase assault, turning over a hard-earned SCR steal before powering through the ruck to score. At 12–5, SCR were under pressure—but far from beaten.
The response again showed the character of this team. Relentless close carries brought SCR to the opposition line, only for The High School to hold firm and clear.
But superb tracking and counter-attack work from Cahill and Chawa Gondwepule regained territory. The forwards went to work once more and Kate Scully powered over in the corner. 12–10, and game on.
Momentum swung SCR’s way. Tactical kicking pinned The High School deep, while Lily Brophy lived up to her reputation as a turnover machine and Blathnaid Kehoe delivered huge defensive collisions.
A turnover set the platform for the next strike. Aoibheann Conroy punched to the gainline and delivered a perfect pass to Saffron Adams, who glided through the defence to score under the posts—and converted her own try.
SCR then defended an extraordinary five-minute onslaught, including holding up what looked a certain try. They reached halftime leading 17–12, earning every inch of that advantage.
SCR started the second half with intent. Smart interplay in midfield sent Gondwepule racing through the line.
She tried to emulate Saffron by finishing under the posts but was dragged down in goal and knocked on—a cruel twist that denied SCR a potential 10-point cushion.
The High School capitalised on that let-off. Their influential No. 8 and outhalf took control, forcing repeated last-ditch tackles before eventually breaking through to level the game with ten minutes left. 17–17.
Calmness under pressure defined the response. Errors crept into The High School’s game under the weight of expectation from their home crowd. A clearing kick from Cahill forced a foot in touch, giving SCR a key attacking platform.
Massive carries from Kehoe and Brophy moved SCR to the 10-metre line. From there, the ball went left, and Molly Jane Dempsey produced a moment of brilliance—launching a towering up-and-under behind the fullback, chasing hard, and regathering the bounce to score under the posts. Adams converted. 24–17.
With six minutes to survive, The High School’s No. 8 charged again, only to be met by a defensive wall—Cahill’s tackle stopping the danger in its tracks.
A knock-on gave SCR the exit they needed. After a few composed phases, Molly Fitzpatrick moved the ball wide to Cahill, who had debutant Freya Stanley in support outside her.
The defender bit in on Stanley, opening a huge gap. Cahill burst through and touched down on the final play. 29–17, full-time.
The small travelling support erupted, singing “Chríost Rí’s on fire” as the final whistle confirmed a famous win.
Player of the match was shared between the outstanding Aoibheann Conroy and captain and Leader Rebecca Cahill.
Principal Sean Smyth said: “Huge thanks to the parents who travelled to support the team.
“A special mention and best wishes also to Aine Farmer, who was injured late in the game—everyone at SCR wishes her a speedy recovery.
“We now await the result of the other semi-final between Ardscoil na Tríonóide, Athy, and St Mary’s College, Arklow (a possible Junior Cup Final rematch).
“What is certain is this: Scoil Chríost Rí are heading back to Energia Park, Donnybrook, for the Leinster Senior League Final.”
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