Kilkenny untroubled

Kilkenny College had a comfortable win over Newpark in their Leinster Schools' Junior Cup opening-round tie yesterday.

They never lost the advantage after top-scorer Graham Claxton scored their first try. Claxton converted Ian Condell's first try to put Kilkenny 12 points in front before Fergal Brophy crossed the line for Newpark in the 10th minute.

Brophy's score was just a temporary respite and Kilkenny replied with tries from Claxton and full back Robin Copeland to lead by 26-5 at half-time.

Kilkenny's domination continued into the second half and an early try by Condell after a 40-metre run, which was converted by Claxton, put the issue beyond doubt.

Newpark defended resolutely for most of the second half, but could not prevent a late try from hooker Desmond Payne.

KILKENNY COLLEGE; R Copeland; B Braithwatie, N Jay, I Condell, H Bagnall; D Brennan, G Claxton; D O'Brien, D Payne, K Hanbidge, W Whitford, J Boland, K Murphy, S Boland, P Stanley. Replacements: T Shiel for Jay; W Greene for Murphy.

NEWPARK: T McCall; L Heffernan, D Daly, M Brandon, F Brophy; R Hegarty, R Weinmann; A Watchorn, C Mills, R Thomas, C Brennan, D O'Farrell, B Ferguson, S Keating, S Lawless. Replacements: D Fox for Brandon.

Referee: TC Keenan (Leinster Branch).