St Michael's get over their early hesitancy

St Michaels 29 Kilkenny College 8:St Michael's recovered from a hesitant start to win this Leinster Schools Junior Cup tie with something to spare.

Winger Jeff O'Sullivan put Kilkenny College into an early lead with what proved to be their only try of the contest.

St Michael's assumed control and Stephen McGarry levelled before Cathal Marsh put them ahead and then converted his own try. Daniel Ruddock converted a penalty before half-time, but the winners led 12-8 at the break.

Early tries from Colin Mallon and Finlay Barry after the break effectively decided the outcome.

Mark Elmes and John McGuinness were prominent for Kilkenny as they battled in vain. The final try fell to prop Craig Cusack with Sam Greene converting.

SCORERS - St Michael's: C Marsh try, con; S McGarry, C Mallon, F Barry, C Cusack tries; S Greene con; Kilkenny College: J O'Sulivan try, D Ruddock con.

ST MICHAEL'S: S Greene; C Diamond, A Kelly, M Craig, R Owens; C Marsh, L McGrath; M Ludwig, F Barry, C Cusack; E McMahon, P Dix; S McGarry, C Kenna, C Mallon. Replacements: S Farrell for Dix, D Reynolds for Ludwig, N van Der Lan for Diamond, K Jones for Owens, M Corballis for McGrath.

KILKENNY COLLEGE: R Glynn; J O'Sullivan, M Elmes, D Ruddock, T Watchorn; D O'Carroll, P O'Driscoll; W Lalor, B Hamilton, L Tracey; R Whitten, W Shirley; J Hoyne, J McGuinness, D Tennyson. Replacements - J Jacob for Hoyne, A Masterson for O'Sullivan, I Corduano for Lalor, H Neill for Glynn, J Clare for O'Driscoll.

Referee: A Acheson (Leinster).