ST MICHAEL'S earned themselves a quarter final meeting with Blackrock College after yesterday's win over Gonzaga. Sydney Parade was packed to brim for this second round Leinster Schools' Senior Cup tie with many still arriving half an hour into the game.
It was at this stage that fate turned against Gonzaga when St Michael's out half, Pete Maughan, launched a Garryowen deep into their territory.
Right wing Arthur Cunningham seemed to have won the chase with David Keogh when the ball took an unfavourable bounce and Keogh made the touchdown.
Gonzaga had unexpectedly gone in front after 15 minutes when Joe Morrissey collected cleanly in the line out and with the help of the pack wheeled his way over the line.
The Sandford outfit had prospered in the line outs through Morrissey and lock forward, John Freeman, but in open play were no match for the fitter St Michael's pack.
Under the supervision of out hall Karl Becker, the St Michael's pack had their counterparts on the ropes, despite the early setback.
And within eight minutes of Morrisseys score, they were back in command with full back Barry McMahon atoning for an earlier miss, with consecutive kicks.
Indications that Gonzaga might be in with a chance were borne out by a penalty seven minutes after the interval when McMahon was penalised for a late challenge on Joseph Newell.
Morrissey stepped up and found the range via the left hand upright but almost immediately, Gonzaga wandered offside under their posts presenting McMahon with a straight forward kick.
A similar indiscretion saw St Michael's stretch their lead to 19-8 and despite being pulled back by two late Morrissey penalties never looked in danger of relinquishing their lead.
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