Clontarf extend lead after sinking 'Rock

League leaders Clontarf stretched their lead at the top of the All Ireland League division one to six points this afternoon after claiming the scalp of Dublin rivals Blackrock.

With second place Ballymena not in action, Clontarf put daylight between themselves and their nearest challengers with a hard fought 33-27 win at Castle Avenue.

Leading try scorer Bernard Jackman was first to breach the Blackrock defence, but Dave Hewitt proved the hero for the home fans with two tries to seal victory.

At Deramore Park, Belfast Harlequins rediscovered their form and condemned second from bottom Carlow to a 26-16 victory.

Andy Melville, finally given his chance at number eight, opened the scoring for the visitors and the kicking of player coach Dan Van Zyl threatened an upset. But the home side fought back with two tries of their own to hold a slender 12-10 advantage at the interval.

That lead was extended immediately after the break and the 26-16 win was wrapped up with a penalty try four minutes from time.

Elsewhere, it was truly a game of two halves at Stevenson Park where Dungannon entertained Garryowen. The visitors made the perfect start and overwhelmed their host in the first period, a Pat Humphries try helping build a 13-0 half-time lead.

However, after the break, and with the wind at their backs, Andy Earl's Dungannon wasted no time in re-establishing a foothold in the contest, Andrew Hughes touching down in the corner.

And with time running out, a converted Cunningham try brought Dungannon within striking distance before Mark Bradley claimed the points with a dramatic injury time penalty for a 15-13 win.

Division One

Belfast Harlequins 26-16 Carlow
Clontarf 33-27 Blackrock
Dungannon 15-13 Garryowen
Galwegians 9-22 Buccaneers
Lansdowne 43-22UL Bohemian
St Mary's 38-23 Terenure College

Division Two

Dublin University 17-16 Malone
Old Belvedere 24-29 DLSP
Portadown 8-10 Ballynahinch

Division Three

Naas 5-10 Waterpark
Monkstown 16-16 Clonakilty