Leinster Schools Section A: Skerries Community College eased past Newpark Comprehensive with a powerful combination of forward strength and a hard-running back line in the first Leinster Schools' Section A Senior Cup semi-final at Station Road yesterday.

In the beginning, Skerries could not get their hands to the ball as Newpark dominated possession and territory. For all their textbook approach play, they could not force a breakthrough.

Skerries gradually worked their way into the game. Full-back Owen Keane missed a long-range penalty before prop Gavin Duffy's charge set up perfect field position for straight-running centre Eddie O'Mahony to burst through under the posts in the 24th minute.

Keane's conversion was a formality and it stayed at 7-0 until the 53rd minute. Newpark were given all the time in the world to make use of an advantage ruling from a penalty award. When centre Dave O'Rourke was wide with a drop goal, outhalf Matt Colquhoun nailed a 28-metre penalty.

However, Skerries put their phases together for outhalf Seán Dempsey, centre John Whitney and Keane to open the way for left wing Damien Daly to sprint over in the left corner.

Skerries will now wait on the outcome of today's other semi-final between St Patrick's Classical School, Navan, and St Conleth's College.

SCORERS: Skerries: D Daly, E O'Mahony try each; O Keane con. Newpark: M Colquhoun pen.

SKERRIES CC: O Keane; B O'Connor, J Whitney (J Gavin 61), E O'Mahony, D Daly; S Dempsey (J Gavin 49-temp), T Hanratty; C Scully, G Sambrooks, G Duffy, J Glennon, D Coffey (R Nolan 59), C Pierce (G Dennis 58, S Halpin 70)), D Crowell, P Matthews.

NEWPARK CS: P Tormey; C Kelly, D O'Rourke, D McCrudden (F Brophy 67), T Hill (T McCall 69); M Colquhoun (D Daly 66), R Weinmann; J Richie, M Jacobson, R Court, B Ronayne, D O'Farrell, N Hennessy, R Thomas, D Doran (J Watchhorn 39).

Referee: C O'Brien (Leinster Branch).