ROUND TOWERS wiped out a four point deficit, scoring three of their last five points during added time, to win an eventful Leinster SF championship meeting at Newbridge yesterday.

The frustrated St Joseph's following in the large crowd showered abuse at referee Pat O'Toole as the official made his way towards the dressing rooms, but he was right to add on the time.

The Kildare team's comeback was led by inter county star Glen Ryan. An untypical piece of mishandling by the Kildare man, however, led to the St Joseph's goal by Michael Dempsey, 18 minutes into the second half, for a 1-11 to 0-11 lead. Mark O'Brien's well taken insurance point some nine minutes later appeared to wrap matters up.

Round Towers's subsequent display of stubborn resolve was highlighted by a brilliant equalising point by Leonard Donlon.

His second point, from 45 yards out on the right touchline, then paved the way for Eamonn Cleary's 64th minute winner. If Donlon's equaliser was a classic, Cleary's last score of the match was easily secured. He was left unmarked 25 yards out, and took a good pass from Ian Moore before converting.

Round Towers had endured cruel luck with three goal chances in the first half. Liam Ryan, benefitting from a pass by his brother Glen, had Emmet Burke beaten only for St Joseph's full back Emmet Knowles to gather off the line. Sean Drea struck the bar with a cracking effort and Eamonn Cleary fumbled a goal scoring pass from late wing back call up Derek Maher.

Round Towers still led by 0-7 to 0-6 at half time and promptly stretched the lead to two points with a Donlon point within a minute of resuming. However, St Joseph's subsequent purple patch; should have yielded more than three points.