COLLEGES' GAA/St Mel's ... 2-13 St Joseph's ... 2-10: Producing one of the greatest comebacks witnessed in Colleges football, St Mel's, Longford, booked their place in the Leinster Colleges SF A final with a memorable victory over Westmeath rookies St Joseph's from Rochfortbridge yesterday.

Ten points up after just 11 minutes, the Luke Dempsey-coached side looked set for their first provincial decider, but they could not have anticipated the power of the St Mel's comeback. Despite being reduced to 14 men five minutes from half-time, when midfielder Cathal Quinn was red-carded, St Mel's never lost focus and produced a wonderful performance to force extra time.

Restored to the full complement, St Mel's upped their game and there was only going to be one outcome thereafter. Jamie Wilson and Gavin Hoey did restore St Joseph's lead in the first period of added time, but four unanswered points from Adrian Murphy (two), Colm Smith and Joseph O'Brien earned St Mel's their place in the final.