GREYSTONES ran in three first half tries to set up a platform for a very comfortable win over Skerries in their first-round match in the Smithwicks-sponsored Floodlit Cup at Anglesea Road last night.

Prop Liam Murphy got the Division Two side off to the perfect start when be battled over for a try after five minutes.

When Greystones scored a pushover try through the excellent Alan Dignam at the end of the first quarter, it was clear that Skerries were struggling up front.

Out-half Richard Murphy, who had converted those tries stretched the lead with a penalty on 35 minutes.

A minute later, a fine kick from the out-half brought play deep into the Skerries 25 and when the ball came back from the ruck, New Zealander Geoff Gardiner broke inside and spun away from the cover to score his side's third try. Murphy added the conversion and a chastened Skerries faced a half-time deficit of 24 points.

Although their Ireland A international and captain Billy Mulcahy added two penalties after Kevin Hogan had dropped a goal for Greystones, Skerries never really looked like mounting a serious challenge.

At the end of the third quarter Richard Murphy capped a fine performance by gathering his clever chip ahead to score under the posts.

Five minutes from time the same player's attempted drop goal was swept away by the wind but winger Billy McAree was alert to the possibilities and sprinted in to get the touch down. It was that sort of night for Skerries.