CUS posed the questions and St Paul's answered them but only just. It was, however, sufficient to give the northsiders victory in this second round Leinster Junior Cup tie at Stradbrook.

The winners just about deserved their victory with their backs showing greater penetration, but CUS ensured that St Paul's were never allowed to relax. Indeed, for long periods of the second half the losers were deep inside the St Paul's half.

On three occasions, out half David Casey found touch just on the line, but despite winning the resultant line outs St Paul's displayed the greater guile in defence, forcing the attacks wide. The opportunities were lost.

The winners on the other hand were always prepared to run the ball with the impressive Gareth Rossi causing many a flutter in the hearts of the CUS supporters. In the 20th minute he overlapped with Jack Quinn and then kicked ahead but despite outsprinting the defence, the ball bobbled over tee dead ball line.

The only try of the game was a fine move, which began when David O Siochain threw the ball back from a maul. From there, John Gallagher and Mark Cahill both took turns to run through a static defence, with Kevin Woods following up to burrow his way over. Rossi added the extra points in the crucial moments before the break.

CUS should have restored parity, but Alan Duffy turned inside with the line at his mercy. Despite their second half pressure all CUS had to show was a penalty, well struck by David Lucas from in front of the posts.