Coached by former Munster utility back Johne Murphy, Newbridge (joint-winners of the competition in 2020) stormed in front with a seventh-minute converted try from Todd Lawlor and subsequently extended their lead when his fellow winger Ciarán Mangan touched down in clinical fashion.

Their Wicklow counterparts eventually opened their account with a Luke Long five-pointer, before Sam Watson – moments after being introduced as a blood replacement – grabbed a third Newbridge try to propel them into a comfortable 19-7 interval cushion.

This lead remained intact until the 22nd minute of the second half, when a one-handed finish by ‘Bridge captain Kieran Kelly effectively placed the outcome beyond doubt. An industrious Gerard’s grabbed a second try through Fionan Denver during the closing stages, but Shane Treacy’s stoppage-time effort ensured that a ruthless Newbridge had the final say.

Scorers for Newbridge College: Tries – T Lawlor, C Mangan, S Watson, K Kelly, S Treacy; Cons – P Taylor (3).

Scorers for St Gerard’s, Bray: Tries – L Long, F Denver; Cons – J Younger.

NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE: C Bolton; C Mangan, J Collins, T Waters, T Lawlor; P Taylor, D Enright; F Mahon, M Masterson, P Stapleton; M Barry, S Treacy; K Kelly, R McGroary, S Fitzgibbon.

Replacements: O Udell, R Healy, B Bohan, S Watson, R Byrne, T Bohan, A Larkin Smithers, C Corcoran.

ST GERARD’S, BRAY: C Foley; B Crowe, C O’Reilly, S O’Keefe,H O’Reilly; R O’Connoll, J Younger; J Butler, R Byrne, F Denver; T McGovern, P Harrington; M Von Teichman, T Wilkinson, L Long.

Replacements: S Murphy, C Geraghty, G Carson, C Riordan, J Holland, J Wyse, S Dalton, S Keogh.

Referee: R Jenkinson.