O'Donnell in control

Two tries each from captain Breffni O'Donnell and number eight Jamie Heaslip helped Newbridge overcome a disappointing St Columba's yesterday.

Newbridge winger Paul Coonan opened the scoring with a try after 10 minutes before O'Donnell took control of the game. His first try came after 22 minutes when he rounded off a flowing five-man move to score in the corner. Ten minutes later O'Donnell added his second following an excellent run. On the stroke of half-time Heaslip effectively ended the contest with another try to give Newbridge a 22-0 lead at the interval.

Midway through the second half, Heaslip, whose running from the back of the scrum was impressive, grabbed his second try.

St Columba's kept battling and a penalty from Michael Quinn got them on the scoreboard five minutes from time. Newbridge responded with two late penalties.

NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE: J Donovan; P Bough, F Von Galza, S Byrne, C Carey; T Holmes, A Kavanagh; J Heaslip, M Barton, S McGrath, R Walsh, E Burns, B O'Donnell, P Coonan, B Flanagan.

ST COLUMBA'S: J Moore; A Wheeler, S Scott, R Jennings, F Ledwidge; A Wesley, R Skinner; W Turner, J Hamilton, P Bresnihan, M Quinn, D Nolan, G Sweeney, A White, J O'Malley. Replacements: B Sadek for R Skinner (22 mins), E Hsu for B Sadek (half-time), P Black for A White (50 mins), P Cooper for A Wesley (52 mins).

Referee: J Breen (Leinster).