FORMER international Noel Daly had enough mixed emotions at Serpentine Avenue yesterday to keep him warmer than most at the deciding match of the Leinster schools' Senior Hockey league. While he was the St Andrews coach both his sons - centre forward Cliff and goalkeeper/ captain and, ultimately, man of hour Glen - were playing for Newpark, who retained the title with a breakaway strike from Barry, seven minutes from the end.

In Siberian conditions, Newpark dominated the first half William Powderly, Stephen Butler and Stephen Mitchell asserting themselves in midfield corner tally by the interval was 6-2, but Peter Spencer and his fellow St Andrews defenders cleared their lines resourcefully. They knew nothing, though, about one shot when Cliff Bailey snicked the ball against the crossbar.

St Andrews, however, with the snow at their backs, came much more into the reckoning in the second half. The aggression of Richard Beere and Justin Sherriff saw Newpark largely pressed back, but twice right winger Barry clear in counter attacks.

While the first resulted in Paul McAndrew finding the net dexterously, but not having a goal allowed, Barry's second thrust brought him clear of the cover and his crisp on the run shot hit the target.

. Leinster's prospects of reclaiming the Under 21 Interprovincial laurels from Ulster received an early boost as the tournament got underway in Belfast last night.

Stephen Moulton's 55th goal proved decisive as Leinster got off to an ideal start with a 1-0 win over Munster. He forced the ball past Munster goalkeeper Wesley Bateman at the second attempt after the Harlequins player had saved his initial penalty corner shot.