Leinster Colleges Senior A hurling semi-final: Birr CC 2-10; Cistercian Roscrea 2-9:  Birr Community School narrowly overcame a strong Cistercian College, Roscrea, challenge to book their place in the Leinster Schools A hurling final at Puckane yesterday.

The Offaly side started well, with Colin Coughlan and Joe Bergin (from a free) finding the range early on, before a delightful ball from Bergin found Brian Nolan in space and he shot past Conor O'Dwyer in the Roscrea goal to give Birr a four-point lead after eight minutes.

Roscrea, to their credit, were back on terms midway through the half after a long-range John O'Loughlin point and a fine goal from full forward Peter O'Brien.

Roscrea went in front with a free from O'Brien, before three frees in succession put Birr back in the ascendancy.

O'Brien and Seamus Hennessy were then on target for Roscrea to leave the sides level, 1-6 to 1-6, at the interval.

Although Birr dominated in the early stages of the second half, they failed to push home their advantage as the sides traded points.

Bergin edged Birr in front in the 42nd minute with a close-range free before the Offaly school netted again six minutes later through Diarmuid Horan .

Roscrea mounted a late comeback, Seamus Hennessy getting a goal in the 56th minute and following up with a point three minutes later.

But they just couldn't force the equaliser.

BIRR CS: D Beale; K Larkin, M Varney, D Coughlan; B Watkins, M Quinlan, R Carroll; S Ryan, D Molloy; J Bergin (0-7, 6f), M Mulrooney, D Horan (1-1); C Coughlan (0-2), D Masterson, B Nolan (1-0). Subs: A Whelahan for Mulrooney (27 mins) P Cleary for Whelahan (42 mins), B Stephens for Masterson (56 mins).

CISTERCIAN COLLEGE, ROSCREA: C O'Dwyer; C Nash, N McCarthy, J Delahunty; T Breen, A McIntyre, K Fullam; J O'Loughlin (0-1), B Connolly; T Garvey, G Delahunty, R Campion; S Hennessy (1-1), P O'Brien (1-7, 6f, 65), J Purcell. Subs: J McCarthy for Garvey (half-time).

Referee: J Guinan (Kilkenny).