Finlay plays pivotal role

The last Leinster Schools' Junior Cup quarter-final at Donnybrook was decided yesterday when St Mary's College defeated Gonzaga…

The last Leinster Schools' Junior Cup quarter-final at Donnybrook was decided yesterday when St Mary's College defeated Gonzaga, and they will meet St Michael's next week.

They took just eight minutes to open their account when outhalf Johnathan Sexton fed centre Michael Finlay for a try in the corner.

Three minutes after the interval

Finlay added a penalty and then Gary Roche's fine break set up Stephen Grissing for a try.

Finlay converted but Gonzaga finished the game at the St Mary's end with a try from number eight Kevin McLoughlin - a just reward for their pressure.

ST MARY'S COLLEGE: G Roche; T Daly, S Grissing, M Finlay, R Casari; J Sexton, C Lane; M Houlihan, O McCormack, D Fallon, B Smith, P Sweeney, J Ryan, H Queenan, P Nash. Replacements: M Sheridan for Daly (half-time), C Lucas for Sweeney (43 mins).

GONZAGA COLLEGE: R McCarron; R O'Connor, G King, R Hickey, J McNicholas; G Eves, J Brady; E McGrath, B Gahan, N Morris; A Lee, W Kennedy; D Whelan, R O'Higgins, K O'Loughlin.

Referee: K Dexter (ARLB).

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