Schools Rugby Connacht Senior Cup Garbally 17 Clifden CS 10Garbally advanced to the final of the Connacht Senior Cup when they defeated Clifden in the semi-final at Ballinasloe yesterday.

The victors opened their account after 34 seconds with an interception try from centre John O'Brien. Seán Joyce was successful with a Clifden penalty inside the Garbally 22 to leave it 5-3 at the interval.

Garbally struck early after half time with a try by number eight Robert Gilligan, set up by outhalf Robert O'Beirn. The winners' third try was scored by flanker George Mooney in the 44th minute and converted by O'Beirn.

Clifden had a consolation try on 62 minutes when scrumhalf Eoin Bourke went over.

GARBALLY: E Tiernan; C Southgate, J O'Brien, C Hughes, C Loughrey; R O'Beirn (capt), P O'Toole; T English, M Cloonan, JJ Carey, K Headd, C King, G Mooney, R Gilligan, E Cullinane.

CLIFDEN CS: C Casey; R Lydon, M Gannon, D McDonagh, E Corbett; S Joyce, E Bourke; J Bolger, P Moran, J Joyce, S Corbett, M Mullen, S Prendergast, D Mullen Capt., N Mahon.

Referee: C Brannigan (ARCB).