Mount Anville move closer

Mount Anville and Loreto Foxrock overcame their opponents and demanding weather conditions yesterday to win through to the semi-finals of the Esat Digiphone-sponsored Leinster Schoolgirls' Senior Cup.

At Rathdown, Mount Anville, beaten by Wesley College in a memorable final last year, moved a step closer to ending their 25-year wait for success in the competition by beating Rathdown 6-0.

First-half goals from Sarah Nestor, Erika Tierney, Louisa Murphy and Alicia O'Connor ended the game as a contest but Rathdown battled pluckily, showing tremendous spirit to reduce Mount Anville to just two more goals in the second half.

Later in the day at Belfield, Loreto Foxrock prevailed 2-0 over Mount Sackville, despite an outstanding performance by their goalkeeper Clare McAuley.

Mount Anville and Loreto Foxrock join cup holders Wesley, who beat Loreto Bray on Thursday, in the semi-finals, which will be played at Grange Road on January 27th. Loreto Beaufort meet Muckross on Monday in the fourth of the quarter-final ties.

Leinster Schools' Senior Cup - Quarter-finals: Rathdown 0, Mount Anville 6 (S Nestor, E Tierney, L Murphy, A O'Connor, E J Cassidy, C Rowan); Loreto Foxrock 2 (F Brady, G Cotter), Mount Sackville 0. Monday: Loreto Beaufort v Muckross, Beaufort, 3.30.