Match Report: St. Mary’s U18s vs. Newbridge – Youth Cup Semi-Final

Final Score: St. Mary’s 20 – 18 Newbridge

St. Mary’s U18s produced an unforgettable comeback to defeat Newbridge in the Youth Cup semi-final — their first-ever competitive victory over the Kildare side. In a match filled with drama, resilience, and sheer determination, Mary’s fought back from a 10-point deficit to book their place in the final.

Having never beaten Newbridge before, Mary’s knew they would have to be at their very best to progress. The worst possible start came in the opening minute when they conceded a converted try and lost centre Enda Waldron to injury. This forced an early backline reshuffle, with Patrick Maher moving to centre and Joe O’Reilly coming on to the wing.

Newbridge extended their lead to 10–0 through a penalty midway through the half. To make matters worse, Mary’s were struck by another injury blow when earlier substitute Joe O’Reilly was forced off. The ever-reliable Jack Clarke entered the fray, slotting seamlessly into the backline and bringing renewed energy in the closing stages and Mary’s showed great spirit to hit back before the break. From a close-range tap penalty, captain Donnacha Alexander powered over the line to score, narrowing the deficit to 10–5 at halftime. Despite trailing, the team took confidence knowing they were still within one score and hadn’t yet found their rhythm.

The second half began with renewed purpose. The reliable boot of outhalf Jack O’Donohoe slotted a penalty to make it 10–8, putting real pressure on Newbridge. However, another penalty and a try for Newbridge pushed the score to 18–8, leaving Mary’s with a mountain to climb.

With time ticking away, Mary’s emptied the bench and threw everything at their opponents. Their perseverance was rewarded with less than 2 minutes on the clock when Josh Carroll, holding his width perfectly, finished powerfully in the corner to make it 18–13. The conversion went wide, leaving Mary’s needing a converted try with the clock in the red. Mary’s knew that a single error meant the Cup journey was over.
From the restart, Newbridge kicked long — but vice-captain Max Bottomley produced a brilliant line break, carrying into the opposition half. Quick recycling from the forwards allowed Mikey Hennessy feed O’Donohoe, but the excellent linespeed of the Newbridge forced playmaker O’Donohoe into an unplanned cross-field kick, which found its way heading directly to prop Tuguldur ‘Tuddy’ Batachuluun. While all the Marys coaches winced at that sight, as none had ever seen Tuddy catch a long pass, he did so expertly and then straightened up and drew his opposition man and delivered a perfect pass to Darragh McPhillips, in turn sending flying winger Lucas Haughton racing down the wing.

Haughton was hauled down inches short, but quick ball again saw prop Victor Sancraian charge towards the posts. His barrelling run was stopped just shy with a strong tackle that knocked the ball loose, but Patrick Maher reacted brilliantly — regathering on the ground and flicking it into the hands of Josh who fed second-row James Wallace, who crashed over to score just right of the posts.

With the cup on the line, O’Donohoe held his nerve and calmly slotted the conversion to seal an extraordinary 20–18 victory. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation as St. Mary’s celebrated one of the greatest wins in this team’s history.

The lads now march on to the Youth Cup Final — battle-hardened, confident, and proud of a performance built on teamwork, heart, and belief.

St. Mary’s U18s Team:
Victor Sancraian
Joshua Carroll
Tuguldur Batchuluun
Daniel Kirwan
James Wallace
Donnacha Alexander (C)
Sam Gardner
Daragh Saunders
Mikey Hennessy
Jack O’Donohoe
Patrick Maher
Enda Waldron
Max Bottomley (VC)
Lucas Haughton
Darragh McPhillips
Replacements:
16. Alex Cummins
17. Nathan Ruane
18. David Killeen
19. Killian Stuart
20. Sebastian Cimie
21. Caleb McCarthy
22. Joseph O’Reilly
23. Jack Clarke

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