Skerries proved too powerful for their fellow northside opponents in this Leinster Schools Senior Cup (section A) tie at Mount Temple yesterday. Portmarnock for all their determination lacked Skerries mobility and for the first quarter led a charmed life with a foot in touch denying eventual three try hero Mark Byrne of an opening score.
But within minutes of the recess Portmarnock finally caved in when Eric Grundy capitalised from close in to go over just to the left of the post. And then Byrne finally got his just rewards when using his pace to leave it 10-0 to Skerries at the break.
And with wing forwards Ronan Connolly and Niall Bolger working the pack well, the score was extended with Byrne again showing great poise and balance down the left to grab his second try of the afternoon. Portmarnock responded defiantly through their number eight Keith Harold but there was to be no stopping Byrne who added eight more points to his tally with a penalty and a try.
De La Salle Skerries: A McGinness; C Ryan, F Glennon, P O'Sullivan, M Byrne; J Ryan, J Reid; N Walsh, S Boylan, J Garrigan, B Byrne, R Keane, R Connolly, N Bolger, E Grundy.
Portmarnock: R McBride; A Connors, E Johnson, D Moore, C Brannigan; B Woods, A Walsh; D O'Regan, F O'Kelly, B Niland, S Byrne, S Breen, G Hughes, G Nixon, K Harold. Replacement: R O'Malley for Moore.
Referee: G McFadden (Leinster)
