LEINSTER CHAMPIONS Good Counsel, of New Ross, Co Wexford, took a step closer to their first all-Ireland senior hurling A Colleges title with a convincing 12-point victory over St Raphael's of Loughrea, Co Galway, in yesterday's semi-final at Nenagh.

Inspired by some splendid half forward play by Paul Sheehan and Michael Doyle, Good Counsel had it very much their own way from the moment Doyle hit their opener after three minutes.

St Raphael's waited 21 minutes to get their first score during which time Good Counsel had established a six point lead with a goal and three points, the goal coming from Robert Codd.

By the break the Wexford side had stretched that margin to seven points at 2-4 to 0-3 after Sheehan had grabbed their second goal. Good Counsel then stepped up the pace in the third quarter and some splendid points preceded a 41st minute kicked goal from Sheehan again which effectively put the game beyond the reach of the disappointing Galway side.

St Raphael's did manage a late rally with a goal and two points in the closing stages - the goal coming from Kenneth Colleran - but it was Good Counsel who had the last say as they capped a fine team display with a fourth goal from Thomas Howlin.