ST MARY'S put in a workmanlike performance to overcome a gallant, if limited, St Andrew's side in this Leinster Schools' Junior Cup second-round game at Stradbrook yesterday.

An early, unconverted try from right wing James Norton provided the perfect platform for the Rathmines school. Second rows Karl Daly and Kenny McArdle took the line-out honours decisively, while the half-backs, Darragh O'Neill and Paul Madden, displayed some delightful touches.

Progress was often difficult in], the face of a stubborn St Andrew's defence. However, full-back Gareth Murphy struck a superb 15-minute penalty from the left-touchline to extend St Mary's advantage to 8-0 at half-time.

Surprisingly, the second half produced little in the way of scoring opportunities. Murphy, however, succeeded with another penalty, after 35 minutes.