RUGBY LEINSTER SCHOOLS' JUNIOR CUP FIRST ROUND: Newbridge College 27 Cistercian Roscrea 12NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE outscored Cistercian, Roscrea, by four tries to two and were clearly the better side in this entertaining Leinster Schools Junior Cup first round tie at Oak Park, Carlow, yesterday.

The Kildare side, physically stronger, led from the fifth minute through a penalty from winger Gavin Burke. It was a lead they held throughout the game, adding an unconverted try from their number 14 James Healy on 19 minutes. Roscrea showed plenty of spirit and were rewarded with a try from left wing Alan Tynan. But just on half-time Newbridge broke through for a fine try from second centre Jake Howlett, who broke the Roscrea cover to cross the try line. His side led 13-5 at half-time.

A second Alan Tynan try three minutes into the second half, brilliantly converted by outhalf Tim Foley, raised Roscrea hopes.

But two converted Newbridge tries from scrumhalf Delaney and outhalf O’Brien saw the Kildare college deservedly advance to the next round.

NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE: M Doyle; T O'Neill, O Larkin, P Condon, P Morrin; O Kelly, L Menton; C Callan, M Delaney (try), J O'Brien (try), J Healy (try), R Buckley, J Howlett (try), G Burke (pen, two cons), R Cleary. Replacements: D Delahunt for Condon (33); T Berney for Delaney (injured) (44); N Pearson-Buffoni for Doyle (51); B Larkin for Kelly (57); I Caffrey for O'Brien (57); C Johnson for O'Neill (57).

CISTERCIAN COLLEGE, ROSCREA:T Carroll; A Tynan (2 tries), R Wharton, D Lavelle, J Murphy; T Foley (con), R Ryan; D Nagle, R Mernagh, P McKeown, S Maher, C Carroll, D Kelly, C O'Leary, P Gavin. Replacements: M Jordan for C Carroll (h/t); J Buckley for McKeown (h/t); G Murphy for T Carroll (51); T Guihen for Nagle (54); J Fox for Murphy (54).

Referee: B Armstrong (Terenure).