Champions, St Munchin’s, had to withstand a magnificent late rally from Castletroy to edge home 21-15 in the opening Clayton Hotels Munster Schools’ Junior Cup semi-final at Thomond Park yesterday.

Kanturk won the big game in Division 1 of the Munster Junior League to move into second place, two points behind leaders St. Mary’s, after their 34-15 away win over Clonmel.

ST SENAN’S caused the biggest shock in the opening round of games in the Munster Junior League as Killarney and Charleville lifted silverware.