LAST year's Section A finalists, Skerries, enjoyed a comfortable passage to the second round of the competition in overpowering Marian College at Mount Temple.

Boasting eight players from last season's squad, Skerries notched six tries against an inexperienced but spirited Marian team. The margin of victory was enhanced by the accurate kicking of Dermot O'Neill who converted a penalty and all but one of the tries.

O'Neill and Paul Andrews swopped early penalties before Skerries prop Ronal Molphy crossed for a sixth minute try following a break by Derek Keane. Left wing Andrew Moore went over in the corner for a second try and although Marian spent the last 10 minutes of the half within metres of their opponents' line, they had only a second Andrews penalty to show for their efforts.

The Skerries lead was extended when a fine back movement allowed wing forward Brendan Dunne to score. Out half Michael Quirke ran from the Marian 10 metre line to make it 27-6 before Kevin Branagan and Gareth Halligan put the matter beyond doubt either side of a consolation try from Mark Elan.