ST MICHAEL'S, who beat High School in the second round of the Leinster Junior Cup last year, repeated the feat in a closely contested first round tie at Donnybrook yesterday.
The scoreline flattered the winners somewhat, as with four minutes remaining, they led by a mere five points. That try had come in the fourth minute when flanker Robert Aiken, one of St Michael's best forwards, peeled off a five yard scrum and ploughed over.
Despite the fact that the St Michael's pack was easily on top up front and that second row Barry McManus was winning everything in the lineout, they failed to build on that early lead.
St Michael's strong running outhalf Simon Byrne, and centres Stephen O'Dwyer and Mark McKenna remained a threat throughout, but High School's disciplined defence, well marshalled by full back Imran Masood, stood firm.
The pressure took its toll, however, and four minutes from time scrum half Robert Gunn got over for a try. Two minutes into injury, time left wing Jonathan Groome widened the gap further with another try which Byrne converted.
