St Munchin's fought a commendable rearguard battle to beat Crescent by 26-17 in the semi-final of the Munster Schools' Senior Cup at Dooradoyle yesterday and so qualify for the final against the holders, CBC, on St Patrick's Day. St Munchin's looked to be on their way out when they were hit by two spectacular first-half Crescent tries by centre David Conway and number eight John O'Connor, the second of which was converted by Alan Purcell. Coming up to half-time, however, the power of the St Munchin's forwards was demonstrated for the first time as they drove over the Crescent line for a try by prop Leslie Hogan, which David O'Donovan converted.

The second half was all St Munchin's. Conor Hartigan grabbed their second try, which O'Donovan converted. He also kicked three penalties to put his side out of reach at 26-12. Crescent managed a consolation try by winger Niall O'Brien deep into stoppage time.

St Munchin's: D O'Donovan; JP Aherne, G Ryan, J Stokes, J Lynch; J O'Brien, E Cahill; L Hogan, C Tucker, P Keogh, A Laffan, S Keogh, J Doran, P Malone, G Noonan. Replacements: C Hartigan for Doran, W Dalton for S Keogh, G Clarke for Lynch.

Crescent: R O'Rourke; K Lyons , D Conway, D Slade, N O'Brien; A Purcell, E Reddan; M Brophy, P McMahon, R Callaghan, P McNamara, L Woulfe, A McMahon, A Demery, J O'Connor. Replacement: E Quinn for McNamara.

Referee: R McDowell (Munster).