CONTRARY to general expectations, Good Counsel College, New Ross, proved a little too good for the holders and All Ireland champions, St Kieran's College, Kilkenny, in the Leinster Colleges senior hurling final at New Ross yesterday.

It was their fourth successive Leinster final clash, and each side have now won twice.

Starting this game with wind advantage the New Ross team were quickly into their stride. They struck a vital blow 10 minutes into the game when Michael Doyle's high lob was deflected past the St Kieran's goalkeeper, Joe Young, by right corner forward, Keith O'Grady.

Goode Counsel's other corner forward, John Barron, struck for another vital score just on the half hour when he pulled one handed on a sideline cut by Nigel Higgins and sent it to the back of the Kieran's net.

The home team led by 2-7 to 0-5 at half time, but the holders, who had seven of last year's All Ireland winning side, were far from beaten. Inspired by a great display by Willie Maher, who led Tipperary to last year's All Ireland minor hurling title, and who yesterday was moved to centre back, they gradually reduced the New Ross lead. There were only three points between the teams with 10 minutes remaining.

A feature of the second half was a classic save by the Counsel goalkeeper, Niall Mackey, who dived full length to deflect a rasping shot by Henry Shefflin in the 14th minute.

The lead was down to two points with four minutes to go and a typical rally by St Kieran's looked on the cards, but Good Counsel held them off.