CBC Cork ... 23 St Munchin's ... 12 St Munchin's lost their grip on the Munster Schools' Senior Cup when going down to hot favourites CBC Cork in a well-contested semi-final at Musgrave Park yesterday.

Christians, who play either PBC Cork or Árd Scoil Rís of Limerick in the final, had to work hard for their victory, despite scoring three tries to none. Their taller and stronger forwards eventually wore down the spirited St Munchin's pack.

Two Eamon Ronan penalties against Wayne Murphy's lone effort had Christians 6-3 in front after 15 minutes before they swept clear for their opening try seven minutes later, when John McCarthy squeezed in at the right corner.

A second Murphy penalty shortly before the break cut the gap to 11-6 and a drop goal from the same player three minutes after the resumption made it a two-point game.

Christians responded immediately and captain Ross Noonan barged over for his side's second try, which Ronan converted for an 18-9 lead.

Typically, St Munchin's never gave up the chase and Murphy's third penalty reduced the lead to 18-12 with 15 minutes left.

The Cork school regained the initiative and more powerful forward play led to Karl Mitchell crossing for their third try six minutes later to seal their place in the St Patrick's Day final.

CBC: MJ Ahern; J O'Hanlon, J McCarthy, K Mitchell, G Blower; E Ronan, D Williams; D Hurley, J Kerins, R Hassan; R Noonan (capt), E Mackey; B Holland, J Harte, M Essex. Replacements: A Kelly for Mackey, G Keane for Kerins, B O'Keeffe for McCarthy, A Ryan for O'Hanlon.

ST MUNCHIN'S: P Kilcoyne; B Dalton, D Hurley, A Ajuong, M O'Donovan; W Murphy, T Cahill; D Keogh, M Kennedy, R Hogan; B Purcell, F Walsh; L Mullane, D Gardiner, C Parkes. Replacements: A Daly for Hogan, F Daly for O'Donovan.

Referee: D Maloney (MAR).