A hungrier St Josephs side progressed to a last four clash with Ardglass after overcoming a physically strong St Johns outfit at Dundrum on Saturday afternoon.

Played in front of a sizeable crowd, this game definitely lived up to its billing. St Johns were eager to impress early on and after ten minutes they led by 1-01 to 0-01. By all accounts the St Johns goal was a cracker but a point from St Josephs full forward Anthony Mageean kept the homeside in touch.

After their bright start St Johns collapsed for the rest of the 1st half. St Josephs got their house in order and eight consecutive scores flew over the bar. St Josephs captain Sean O'Rourke was to the fore in this period as he tapped over three frees and contributed one from play. Full forward target man Anthony Mageean then notched two in quick fire succession before Brendan Cunningham and Stefan Mason added individual efforts. A late point from the Johnnies left five points the difference at the break.

The 2nd half proved to be an all together tighter affair but St Josephs always looked the better side and despite a few scares at the back they held out for the win.

St Josephs were first to register on the scoreboard in the second period with Anthony Mageean dropping the ball over the bar from close range. St Johns replied immediately but the industry of the amalgamated side shone though as they converted 0-03 without reply. Anthony Mageean popped up with his fourth of the night while Brendan Cunningham added to this with an excellent angled drive. Another point from the right boot of tricky corner forward Stefan Mason then stretched St Josephs lead to nine points.

As the midway stretch of the 2nd half arrived St Johns were finding themselves in big trouble. Despite a point from Shane Rice, it was the homeside who finished stronger as the Johnnies challenge wilted.

With ten minutes to go Stefan Mason effectively sealed the tie. Mason used all his skill and poise to evade three St Johns defenders before he nonchantly placed the ball in to Harry McMullan's right corner. Further efforts from Sean O'Rourke and Rory Kavanagh finished the homesters scoring spree before St Johns registered the last point of the game late on.

Hunger was definitely a big factor in St Josephs win. All seventeen players that were used on the day combined very effectively for the majority of the game. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Best for the winners were Eamon King in goals, Kieran Carville, Donal Brennan and Conor Miskelly at the back, Sean O'Rourke in midfield and Brendan Cunningham, Anthony Mageean, Stefan Mason and Conor Mason in the attack.

St Johns had competent performances from Shane Rice, David Milling, Shane McGlynn and Darren Savage.

St Josephs: E.King, D.Brennan, K.Carville, R.Melville, P.Curry, C.Miskelly, M.Grant, S.O'Rourke (0-06, 3F), P.Mageean, C.Mageean, B.Cunningham (0-03), C.Mason, R.Kavanagh (0-01), A.Mageean (0-05), S.Mason (1-01, 1F). Subs: C.Rooney, D.Cunningham.