THE regular involvement of Newpark's players in men's hockey circles was a major factor as they overpowered King's Hospital, 5-0, in the Leinster Schools Senior Cup semi final at Serpentine Avenue yesterday. Newpark, the league winners, now meet their familiar and equally mature rivals, St Andrew's, in the final at Grange Road next Wednesday.

Physically imposing at the back and utilising space and pace in attack, Newpark also used their five short corners to telling effect. Stephen Butler scored directly from two in the first half, in between which David Mullen was credited with an open play goal. In the second period, Charlie Henderson kept out a penalty stroke from Butler but Will Powderly and Stephen Mitchell increased the margin in snapping up second phase set piece chances.

Largely through the incisiveness of their captain, Daniel Morris, King's Hospital achieved a larger corner count (eight) but their finishing lacked conviction against a strong defence, in which Paul McAndrew was particularly resourceful.