THE Mount House senior rugby squad enjoyed a successful weekend rugby tour to Ireland, flying in to Cork and going on losing the first of their matches before winning the other.
Against Midleton College they were up against a large pack but took an early lead through a superb solo effort by Will Partington. The Midleton pack soon began to dominate, however, and by half time Mount House trailed 12-5. Constant rampaging and powerful runs from Midleton meant that they ran out 29-5 winners. Mount House man of the match was Ralph Lopes for his outstanding tackling and breaks from the ruck. The second match, against Youghal RFC was a more evenly matches affair on paper with Mount House again facing large and passionate Irish forwards. After a few forward exchanges, the visitors started to move the ball away and to run more freely in the open spaces. Playing to their strength, Mount House controlled the game and won comfortably 27-7. Ed Barlow was player of the match. The trip was a great experience for the boys, whose behaviour on and off the pitch was exemplary and won them many friends.