With both sides mounting outstanding defence scores were always going to be hard to come by in this highly entertaining second-round tie at Tullow yesterday.

In the end two well struck second-half penalties from Kilkenny's influential outhalf Greg Jacob to an unconverted try from Roscrea's right wing Andrew O'Brien were the only scores produced.

Both sides had to contend with a howling gale and heavy rain but nevertheless they served up some magnificent rugby. Roscrea had first use of the elements but despite enjoying vast first-half territorial superiority were unable to break down the Kilkenny defence until the game had reached injury time. Then O'Brien pounced on a mistake as the Kilkenny backs sought to run the ball out of defence to cross for the game's only try but failed with the attempted conversion.

Roscrea could have added to their lead in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. But then some fine kicking by Jacob put the pressure on Roscrea and the Kilkenny outhalf kicked penalties in the 11th and 25th minutes of the second half.

Kilkenny now advance to play either Presentation Bray or Templeogue College.

KILKENNY COLLEGE: A Deacon; R Deverell, R Bergin, C Peavoy, G Greene; G Jacob, R Jones; G Roe, B Thackaberry, B Thompson, T Langley, I Deverell, J Harvey, S Holland, R Porter. Replacements: B Deegan for Thompson inj; I Corrigan for Harvey.

CISTERCIAN ROSCREA: M Leonard; A O'Brien, C Rouse, C Phelan, D Ross; E Kelliher, C Harrington; A Kavanagh, J Egan, D Brody, B Grandjean, L Meehan, J Lee, J Phelan, P Breen. Replacements: A Smyth for Harrington. N Byrne for Grandjean. J Hughes for Leonard. F LAwlor for Kelleher.

Referee: P Gray (ARLB).