Old Belvedere proved too strong for UCD in this Metropolitan Cup semi-final at Templeville Road yesterday.

Three tries, two converted by outhalf Richie Ball, who also added two penalties, saw Old Belvedere book their place in the decider .

Their quick scrum-half Simon Keogh, capped at Schools and under age level, excelled despite a long season.

For their part, UCD could only muster a solitary penalty from Ross Staunton and were unable to match their opponents in strength and all-round ability.

Scorers: Old Belvedere: J Burns, S Keogh, G Roche-Nagle tries, R Ball 2 pens, 2 cons; UCD: R Staunton pen.

Old Belvedere: J Ennis; S Lonergan, D Schmude, S Tormey, J Burns; R Ball, S Keogh; G Roche-Nagle, A Timmons, G OF Neill, P Ball, D Hughes, D Keane, C Johnston, T Murphy. Replacements: D McNamara for Schmude, L Dowling for Hughes, F O'Byrne for Murphy.

UCD: J Stone; D Cowzer, R Staunton, R Mc Nichols, A Peavoy; S Gill, P Quinlan; R Maher, N O'Driscoll, J Lavery, P Callain, D Brocl, J Coughlan, R Timlin, J Morrison. Replacements: H O'Byrne for Quinlan, R Tracey for Brock.

Referee: C Brannigan (ARLB)