Despite a tight score for much of the game, it was last year s runners up PBC who emerged winners and will now contest an all-Cork final against Christian Brothers College on St. Patrick s Day, in what promises to be a cracking contest, repeating the line up of the 2002-3 final.

CBC unseated last year s champions St. Munchin s College in dramatic fashion in their semi final tie, winning as a result of an injury time try. Having been beaten in the final for the last three years, PBC will be determined to bring home the silverware for the first time since 1996.

Crescent put the first points on the board, after winger David Murphy went over for a try after 10 minutes. PBC had a number of opportunities to notch up points with penalties awarded, but the kicks failed to hit their targets, putting PBC under pressure to exert some dominance.

When eventually they did even the scores, it was Traolach Hennebry at No. 6 who scored the try, with the conversion failing to hit its mark. At half time, the score was 5-5, with both sides needing to assert some control over the game.

Leading the way after the restart was PBC captain and scrum half Sam Cronin, who went in for a try just five minutes after the second half kicked off. Cronin was outstanding for PBC, and controlled the game with great precision. Jeffrey Power converted to stretch their lead to 12-5.

The PBC pack came into their own, and proved too strong for Crescent, despite Crescent attacking the lines and forcing PBC to defend for much of the second half.

For Crescent, the influential Barry O Mahony at no. 7 caused untold problems for PBC, as did Ronan O Sullivan at out half. Winger Cian Aherne made some fantastic runs, but was unable to go over the line.

For PBC, the back row of Jack O Driscoll, Hennebry and Eamon Nugent, who came back from injury, put on a tremendous display.

PBC used their driving mauls from the line out to full advantage, scoring two of their tries from this well drilled move. In the dying minutes of the match PBC finished with a flourish, with prop Neil Burke scoring a try which was converted by Jeffrey Power.

Having come into the semi final after a close 10-9 victory over Glenstal Abbey School, Crescent will be disappointed at missing out on a place in the final, despite a great run in the competition this year and a brave performance against PBC.

Presentation Brothers College 15. Scott Deasy, 14. Shane Costigan, 13. Brian Dennehy, 12. Tim Kenneally, 11. Sean McKeown, 10. Gavin Dunne, 9. Sam Cronin (captain), 1. Jason Carton, 2. Michael O Leary, 3. Neil Burke, 4. Richard McCarthy, 5. Robert Allen, 6. Traolach Hennebry, 7. Jack O Driscoll, 8. Eamon Nugent Replacements Subs: Jeffrey Power for Shane Costigan; Michael Keyes for Brian Dennehy.

Crescent College Comprehensive 15. Sean Scanlon, 14. Cian Aherne, 13. Michael South, 12. Patrick Carroll, 11. David Murphy, 10. Ronan O Sullivan, 9. Hugh Mulcahy, 1. Richard Leonard (captain), 2. David Griffin, 3. Barry Storan, 4. Barry Lynch, 5. Oisin Keely, 6. Stephen Keays, 7. Barry O Mahony, 8. Diarmuid Maguire Replacements Brian Gavin for Sean Scanlon; Richard O Connor for Barry Storan; Brian O Regan for Stephen Keyes.