Gonzaga College survived a second half comeback from St. Mary’s College to win 34-21 in thrilling affair at Energia Park.

Gareth Pelly’s side will now face either Blackrock College or Newbridge College in the final of the Leinster Schools Senior Cup.

Mary’s got off to a dream start with just under five minutes played when flanker Luca Manselli crossed the line. Conor Tracey followed up with the extra points from the tee to give Mary’s an early seven-point advantage.

Gonzaga got their first points of the game when full back Hugo McLaughlin slotted over a penalty for his side. Just moments later, Zaga found their first try of the game courtesy of a brilliant line break from Toby Hammond. Gonzaga recycled the ball well resulting in Jody Browne crossing the try line to put his side into the lead.

Gareth Pelly’s side continued their try scoring form when Hugh Goddard and Stephen McMahon linked up well inside the Mary’s 22. Goddard offloaded into the path of Hugo McLaughlin who dived over in the corner to stretch their lead.

Paul Wilson was next to get on the scoresheet for Gonzaga just seconds before half time to give his side a 22-7 cushion at the interval.

Mary’s got themselves back into the game after ten minutes played when Aaron O’Brien and Conor Tracey linked up well before the dangerous Evan Moynihan crossed to reduce the deficit. Conor Tracey followed up with the conversion.

Stephen McMahon gave Gonzaga some more breathing room after a well worked try for his side and Hugo McLaughlin converted to add to his tally.

Mary’s never say die attitude was clear to every spectator in the stadium and they responded almost immediately through Aaron O’Brien. Just as it looked like St.Mary’s were getting themselves back in the game, the Rathmines school were dealt a huge blow when Evan Moynihan was sin binned for a high tackle right on his try line. The referee awarded a penalty try to Gonzaga and they lead 31-21 heading into the final minutes.

Hugo McLaughlin’s penalty just minutes from time stretched his side’s advantage and booked their place in the final.