LAST year's beaten semi finalists, St Benildus, gave a spirited performance to clinch victory over Newpark at Terenure. A deceptive scoreline saw St Benildus 13 points ahead as the match went into injury time in the second half.

However, after considerable pressure Newpark vice captain Justin Ward scrambled over in the left corner for their only score of the game.

St Benildus dominated for much of the first half although their superiority was not reflected in the 3-0 half time scoreline. Out half Alan Sharkey got the only score of the first half with a penalty after six minutes.

In an exciting second half Benildus stretched their lead with a try from centre Sean Moles in the 41st minute. Sharkey kicked the conversion and a second penalty 10 minutes later.

The St Benildus forwards were in top form, notably captain Robbie Nolan and number eight Declan Murphy.