The Lansdowne Under 18.5s won the Leinster U18 School Youth Cup yesterday against De La Salle Palmerston with a comprehensive 47-7 victory at Gonzaga College in torrential rain. Despite the forecast conditions, a big crowd turned out to support both teams who turned on a very entertaining match.

Mark Walsh opened up with a penalty followed quickly with a Scott Doran Try which went unconverted. Salmo responded quickly with a beautiful intercept try under the posts making it 8-7. First half tries also by Stephen Godsil and Prop Oisin Bohan both converted by Mark Walsh. In the 2nd half, captain Jack Nolan went over with two tries of his own and followed near the end by Thomas Eggers with a well worked try. FT score 44-7.

Big thanks to the coaching squad of Adam Curry, Dan Murphy and Corey Reid who did a fantastic job moulding this special teams' skills. Also thanks to the management team of John Nolan, Guy Fagan and Matt Bruton for the unceasing dedication to these players. To the boys and their families Lansdowne FC just has to offer massive praise and kudos. We're very proud of their achievements. This one is for you Galvo !

Lastly, well done to Salmo for making it to the final. It was a great pleasure to play this team as many of these boys played together the amalgamated Lansdowne / DLSP / Seapoint U16 side. Go well boys and enjoy the summer.

Photos courtesy Kelvin Hughes DLSP FC Rugby