It was fitting that Peter Lydon, probably one of the best kickers to play SCT rugby for Kilkenny College, was in attendance as a special guest today as our Junior and Senior rugby players battled it out in their place kicking competitions organised by Mr. Ashmore. Some of the kicking on display was hugely impressive and we had two surprising winners in each category.

Both competitions required the kickers to kick 3 kicks from 25 metres (left touchline, middle and right touchline) and 3 kicks from the same positions from 35 metres out. The top 3 in each category would then complete a 2nd round of kicks to add to their 1st round score. 1st years and 4th years in each category received an extra half point for every successful kick made.

In the Junior section we had 11 entries from 1st, 2nd and 3rd year. John Rogers led the way for the 3rd years with a 4th placed finish but it was Gavin Manning (1st Year), Jackson Oya (1st Year) and Charlie Tector (2nd Year) who contested the final. After 12 kicks Charlie and Jackson couldn’t be separated and so in a sudden death shootout it was Jackson who raised the flags as Charlie’s kick drifted agonisingly to the left. Congratulations to Jackson Oya, a great achievement for a first year to win competing against 2nd and 3rd years.

In the Senior section we had 8 entries with SCT out half Josh Miller an early favourite. After the 1st round we had 4 players qualify for the final round with Craig Strong as the early leader, followed by James Thompson, Ben O’Sullivan and the aforementioned Miller. Special mention should be made of Lloyd Stephens who despite missing out on the final, hit the post twice and was extremely close with his other kicks – not bad for a 6ft 5 second row!! The final round saw Ben and Craig fall behind and Senior hockey player James Thompson continue to lead with some impressive kicking. Josh Miller was the only one capable of catching James and when his 2nd last kick went wide and left James could not be caught and was declared the winner. An impressive victory for James with 9 successful kicks from 11 attempts with Josh in 2nd place with 6 from 11.

Peter Lydon then gave an exhibition and despite missing his first kick, proceeded to then kick 5 in a row, putting 3 of them 30 metres over the fence. A special thanks to Peter for taking time out to present the prizes and support the event. Special thanks also to Mr. Carter and Mr. Caddy for their help with the organising and officiating of the event and well done to all of the entrants.