ST COLUMBA'S, who won out in section A of the Leinster Schools Junior Cup last season, recorded a very comfortable win over Mount Temple in yesterday's semi final at Templeville Road, thanks in the main to their outstanding captain and number eight Ben Deacon. He scored two tries in each half.

Deacon collected his first try on seven minutes when he dived over in the left corner after possessions had been won at a line out. Just three minutes later he came off the back of a ruck to score again, this time adding the conversion.

St Columba's used the rolling maul, especially in the first half when they played it tight and defended superbly in the face of sustained pressure.

Mount Temple's best player was Deacon's opposite number, Keith Ellis and he looked to have got his side back in the match when, after four minutes of the second half, he tapped a quick penalty to himself five yards out and dived over.

However, it was Deacon's pack who formed the more formidable unit and four minutes later he was in for his third try after Mount Temple were penalised for off side close to their line. He added a conversion to make it 19-5.

Stnow had a firm grip when flanker Kristian Douglas plunged over for another try before Deacon added his fourth, both of which he converted.