MUNSTER SCHOOLS SENIOR CUP St Munchin's College 12 Ard Scoil Rís 6:A POWERFUL performance by the forwards paved the way for St Munchin's to qualify for the semi-final yesterday at Clifford Park despite Ard Scoil Rís piling on the pressure in the final 10 minutes.

St Munchin’s had the Ryan triplets, Evan, Gavin and Darren on duty in what is their third season at senior level. The lineouts were dominated by St Munchin’s and even in the last two minutes when Ard Scoil had a throw-in on their opponents five-metre line the chance was lost when St Munchin’s gained possession and lifted the siege.

Fittingly both tries for the winners came from the pack with Matthew McSweeney getting in for the first inside three minutes.

The strong and swirling wind played havoc with the game and playing against the elements in the first half Ard Scoil never got inside the St Munchin’s 22.

The victors had a second try after 52 minutes and this time Evan Ryan touched down in the right corner after the initial break was made by Shane Airey who was rewarded for his efforts by converting from the touchline. Ard Scoil hit back with two penalties by Robbie Burke.

ST MUNCHIN'S COLLEGE: C O'Donnell; E O'Keeffe, D Goggin, T O'Neill, D Morrissey; S Airey, B Nugent; E Kelly, L O'Halloran, E Ryan; G Ryan, M McSweeney; G Powell, D Ryan, L Nicholas. Replacements: D O'Byrne for E Ryan 45 mins, J Clancy for O'Halloran 65 mins, D Montgomery for O'Halloran 66 mins.

ARD SCOIL RÍS: R McKenna; R Deegan, A OByrne, D Kelly, C Ryan; R Burke, J Murray; T Cusack, D O'Shea, C Glynn; P Obande, P Kearns; C Irwin, D O'Halloran, C Power. Replacements: C Noonan for Murray 45 mins, C Flanagan for O'Shea, L Guinane for Cusack both 63 mins.

Referee: K Barry(MAR).