PORTOBELLO COLLEGE were flattered by the 35-9 scoreline when they beat North West Institute in the Ascent Trophy (colleges rugby) final at Anglesea Road.
Portobello held a 7-6 lead at the break, courtesy of a try from St Mary's Kelvin McNamee, with Billy Treacy adding the conversion. Midway through the second half Portobello took over, with Shane Lawlor and Keith Murphy running in back to back tries.
In the Shield final, College of Commerce, Cork, secured a 14-13 win over Tralee RTC.
The Clarke selectors also have fitness worries about full back Michael Woods and centre forward, Conor Clancy.
Laois, who take on Tipperary at Rathdowney (the game has been switched from Portlaoise) have made two changes in the side which was beaten by 10 points by Clare. Paul Cuddy and Tom Kenna come into the team for Pat Mahon and Noel Delaney. Niall Rigney has been moved from midfield to right half back, with Ollie Dowling moving from centre half forward to midfield to partner David Cuddy.
Martin Storey is back in the Wexford side for the match against Offaly in Birr on Sunday. He replaces the man who deputised for him in Wexford's unsuccessful opening match against Galway, Robert Hassey, while Paul Codd comes in for Rory McCarthy and Sean Flood.
