Defending champions Ballymena got their All-Ireland League campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable 34-9 victory against a toothless UCD outfit at Eaton Park this afternoon.
The Ulster side led 13-3 at the break and underlined their dominance in the second-half to condemn the Students to a comprehensive defeat.
With Dirkie Strydom, who helped himself to a total of 19 points, pulling the strings at out-half, Ballymena breached the visitors lines on four occasions to secure the bonus point while three Alan Henry penalties was all UCD could muster.
Last year's beaten finalists Clontarf showed signs of early season jitters at Castle Avenue but secured the points despite a valiant Galwegians effort. The visitors trailed the Dublin club 15-9 at the break but couldn't quite bridge the gap in the second period as Clontarf held on for a 23-15 win.
Meanwhile, top-flight newcomers Dolphin took nothing away from Oak Park despite running Carlow close. Last season's Division Two champions gave early indications that they are capable of surviving at this level but conceded four tries en route to a 34-25 defeat.
Elsewhere, Shannon cruised past the challenge of Lansdowne (38-5) to go top by virtue of points difference. The visitors had been expected to run the Limerick club close but were undone by some slack defending and a lack of power up front.
AIL Division One results
Ballymena 34-9 UCD
Buccaneers 18-24 Belfast Harlequins
Clontarf 23-15 Galwegians
Cork Constitution 23-12 Dungannon
Co. Carlow 34-25 Dolphin
Shannon 38-05 Lansdowne
St. Mary's College 13-13 Garryowen