LANSDOWNE'S Gus Aherne turned a desperately dull encounter on its head to claim a Leinster Senior Cup semi-final place for his side at the expense of Wanderers at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

Lansdowne right wing Mick Kearin missed with four penalty opportunities before relinquishing his kicking duties nine minutes into the second half.

With Wanderers' Mark Wyse also off target from four attempts, the crowd, numbed by the lack of entertainment, must have expected little of scrum-half Aherne as he assumed kicking responsibility with his side 5-3 behind. But the former international nonchalantly kicked four penalties from as many attempts and converted flanker Stephen Rooney's try at Lansdowne finally came to life.

Until then, they were in danger Of being embarrassed by their, second division opponents. With 34 minutes gone, Nigel Osborne was brought to his knees close toe the Lansdowne line but was allowed to rise and, with his pack quick to support, put his side ahead.