St Andrew's savour the scoreline and first title

SIX NIL was a hockey scoreline for St Andrew's to relish in the Leinster Schools' Senior Cup final at Grange Road yesterday, for they carried off the trophy for the first time and wiped out the 1-0 win that Newpark had achieved in the decisive match of the league some weeks ago.

Newpark without Will Powderly, were never allowed to settle this time as St Andrew's attacked from the start. After 12 minutes, the fast moving David Fleming forced Glen Bailey to concede a penalty stroke which was converted by Justin Sherriff. The pressure was maintained for Sherriff to strike home the second goal from a short corner in the 20th minute.

At this stage there was some what of a response, requiring Chris Beere to show a calming influence at the back in removing the threat posed by a Stephen Butler set piece shot while Peter Spencer also saved valuably from Ross Harris.

Then when St Andrew's broke forward again, a free hit across the face of the goal was tucked away with the reverse stick by Robert Priestman to leave his side three up by the interval.

Newpark still lived in hope early in the second half but Greg Dunne was a particularly unyielding defender and Spencer took the sting from the short corners.

Instead it was St Andrew's who were quicker in their reactions. Robert McDonagh made it 4-0, Sherriff earned his man of the match award with a jinking run which laid on the fifth goal for Philip Lovegrove and Richard Beere completed the tally in the last minute.

. Sandford Park won the Minor Cup with a 4-1 victory over Sutton Park, who were appearing in the school's first final and took a surprise lead throiigh Eorann Stafford. An equaliser duly came from Stephen Findlater before half time and Sandford's skilful play yielded well taken goals in the second period. Gary Ryan scored from a cross by Mark Jenkinson, the captain David Johnston was on target following a short corner and the resourceful Patrick Good sent man of the match Ryan through to embellish the scoreline.