Contrasting fortunes for Kildare schools in Bro Bosco Cup action

There were contrasting fortunes for Kildare schools in Bro Bosco Cup action today.

Naas CBS, who have won five of the last six competitions, turned in an extremely disappointing display in a 1-11 to 1-2 defeat against Colaiste Mhuire in the grounds of Mullingar Shamrocks.

Naas CBS started with 12 Naas club players, many of who recently won a county minor title but the opening three minutes of the game set the tone for the match. Naas kept the ball for the opening minutes but never really looked like scoring and after Colaiste Mhuire forced a turnover they quickly counter attacked and that led to Oisin O’Neill fouling Will Scahill, resulting in a black card for the Naas corner back.

The home utilised the extra man superbly as they sat back and allowed Naas the lion’s share of possession but they were extremely efficient when forcing a turnover and they scored the first five points of the game.

Naas trailed 0-7 to 0-2 at half time and never looked like making any serious inroads into the Mullingar lead.

Evan Lenehan scored a scrambled goal in the 53rd minute but any thoughts of a dramatic late comeback were quickly quashed when Colaiste Mhuire went straight up the far end and the excellent Scahill tucked his shot past Gavin Farrell.

All is not lost for Naas despite the disappointing nature of the defeat. Naas are in a three team group and after Colaiste Mhuire beat Ardscoil Rís by 11 points in the first game so they will take top spot in the group but Naas can still take the second qualifying spot in the group with a win over Ardscoil Rís next week.

In stark contrast to their struggles, Ardscoil na Tríonóide, Athy romped to a huge 7-16 to 0-1 win over Ashbourne. Even though Knockbeg College still have to play Marist on Thursday the result means the Athy school are assured of top spot in their group, assuring them of a home draw in the knockout stages, and they look to be a team capable of challenging for the title.