A dramatic exchange of scores in the final minute of yesterday's final eventually ended with St Malachy's, Belfast, sneaking the victory and their first A title.

Defeat for Colaiste Eanna spelled yet another disappointment at the National Basketball Arena. They also lost the Schools' Cup final here last month, although they were in such a comfortable position throughout this game that the title appeared to be heading their way.

They led from the start, building up a 10-point advantage by halftime and yet still hadn't played their best basketball. Mark Kenny was particularly crucial in the first half, shooting 15 points, while Mark Coleman and Ciaran McEvilly were also making things difficult for St Malachy's.

Junior international Ciaran Burns was almost single-handedly keeping the Belfast school in touch, contributing 13 of their first half points, but a much-improved team effort in the second period saw them ominously claw their way back. The introduction of Declan Mellan was most significant and with around 10 minutes left the game was tied at 32-32.

That briefly renewed Colaiste Eanna's fight and after an electric minute, McEvilly had inspired them to a 45-34 lead. It looked to be game over for St Malachy's, yet a determined final rally brought them back in contention.

Mellan then sneaked under the basket to put them 49-48 in front with only 45 seconds left. Coleman's free-throw levelled it again but St Malachy's picked up two late fouls which allowed Burns and Fulton to gain the decisive scores.

Earlier in the afternoon, De La Salle Waterford also mounted a late comeback to win the under-16 `A' title with a 45-44 victory over Patrician College, Newbridge.

Under-19 `A' Final: St Malachy's, Belfast: C O'Neill, M Fulton (10), A Redmond, C Shields, P McNally (2), D Lundy (10), T Kane (1), P Hill (2), D Mellan (9), O Martin, D Phoenix, C Burns (20) MVP, O Camplisson, B McCotter.

Colaiste Eanna: P Barry, M Kenny (22), D Bates (2), P Kirwan (2), M Kinevane, D McGreal, M Coleman (10), E O'Donnell, S McNulty, C McEvilly (13), P Kelly, E White.

Under-16 `A' Final: De La Salle, Waterford 45 (R Grant 17, MVP, A Troy 16), Patrician College, Newbridge 44 (I O'Boyle 23, P Cummins 13).

Under-19 `C' Final aet Rathmore Community College 51, (D Reen 20, MVP) Carrick-on-Shannon 42.