Who can beat the Jes?

CAN anyone beat the Jes?That seems to be the question on the lips of everyone associated with schools rugby in the province this season, as the Galway city side approach the quarterfinals of the Connacht Tribune Senior Cup as firm favourites to retain the title they won in an absorbing battle with Marist Athlone last year.Colaiste Iognaid (affectionately known as 'The Jes’) are bidding to reach their fifth successive Connacht Tribune Senior Cup final and, realistically it seems, only Marist College and Sligo Grammar have strong hopes of ending their march to the title.With no less than nine squad members featuring on Connacht’s U-18 or U-19 teams, and 11 of last season’s squad, Paul Kilraine’s Jes men are also aiming to complete the League and Cup double for a second successive season, following a tougher than expected 8-6 win over Sligo Grammar in the League decider.Having lost narrowly to Garbally College in the 2007 final, Jes were put to the pin of their collar by a spirited Marist side who were defiant when they faced the strong wind in the second half of last year’s decider.Jes will face improving Oranmore side Calasanctius,convincing 51-0 winners over Ballygar in the second round, in the first of the quarter-finals this Friday (January 30) at NUI Galway (2 p.m.).Given that the Oranmore school, better known for its prowess in the baskball courts, is relatively new to senior rugby they should find the champions too tough this time around.According to coach Sean Grealish, Calasanctius’ hopes