Skerries CC ...25 Gorey CC ...3The defending champions, Skerries Community College, will meet St Columba's College in the final of the Leinster Schools' Section A Senior Cup for the second time in as many years after knocking out Gorey Community College in the semi-final at Templeogue yesterday.

Bryan O'Connor bagged a brace of tries in the opening 20 minutes after excellent approach work on both occasions by his forwards. Although kicker Owen Keane missed both conversions, he made up for those indiscretions by adding the third try in the 29th minute.

Gorey, who were playing for the third time in eight days, looked sluggish, but centre Thomas Kinsella reduced the lead with a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

The Wexford side forced the pace, for the opening 15 minutes of the second half with the powerful Kinsella a threat in midfield and hooker Tadgh O'Scannaill leading the forwards.

It was all to no avail, however, as Skerries began to use the elements. Full back Keane fired over a penalty and added the points to a fourth try from left wing Stephen Donoghue.

Skerries CC: O Keane; B O'Connor, S Dempsey, D Kirwan, S Donoghue; J Gavin, R O'Connor; E O'Byrne, R Dempsey, G Duffy, D Lee, J O'Regan, M Campbell, P Sherlock, M Cullen. Replacement: M Jenkins for Campbell (65 mins).

Gorey CC: J French; D O'Sullivan, M McCarthy, T Kinsella, K Redmond; J Redmond, D Lynch; D O'Leary, T O'Scannaill, D O'Connor, A Molloy, A Keogh, T O'Rourke, T Meyler, C Coakley.

Referee: R Byrne (Leinster Branch).