IT WAS third time lucky for Portumna Community School at the Sports Ground, Galway yesterday when they beat St Muredach's, Ballina to capture the Connacht Junior Cup for the first time.

Twice beaten finalists in this competition, Portumna won the trophy with a try in the first minute of injury time when a draw seemed likely. But if Portumna left it late, they thoroughly deserved their win. The winning try came after a sustained assault on the St Muredach's line. After a series of attacks, scrum half Damien Hayes got over for the vital try for Portumna.

Having played with the wind in the initial period, Portumna's prospects looked anything but bright at the interval with the score at 3-3. St Muredach's pack worked hard and effectively in the task of containment, while out half David White kicked well.

He kicked a penalty in the 30th minute to bring his side level after Michael O'Carroll had given Portumna the lead with a penalty in the 16th minute.

But the Portumna pack, in which number eight and captain Ivan Muldoon was outstanding, played extremely well in the second period to win their side territorial advantage.

Portumna earned a dividend for their pressure when, 10 minutes from time, left wing Michael McKeon got in for a try wide on the left. Carroll was unable to add the extra points.

However, St Muredach's hit back with an excellent try five minutes later. They won a scrum, 40 yards out. White moved into the centre and, after receiving the ball, produced a superb break to score a try out on the left. He was unable to convert. A replay beckoned before Hayes emerged as the match winner.