All-Ireland League: Belfast Harlequins' 41-14 victory at College Park on Saturday, while exposing the ineptness of Dublin University at this level, also displayed the remarkably rapid revival that has been achieved by new player coach Andy Ward, who took over the reigns from Rotherham-bound Andre Bester.
Harlequins remain fourth in Division One, level with Clontarf on 23 points, after producing a flowing brand of rugby that yielded five tries on Trinity's own patch. If not for poor first-half execution, they would have added another 20 points to the final score-line.
Ward's control at the back of the ruck and right-wing Johnny Lowe's lightning acceleration produced the most memorable tries, while Michael Glancy's place kicking was again impressive. He moved the line well and finished with 16 points.
The Belfast club's ambitions of a third consecutive visit to the play-offs could yet crumble as two Ulster derbies and a trip to Shannon await before the regular season is complete. Dublin University look out of their depth but can avoid relegation as they must still play all the other strugglers.
Elsewhere, Shannon survived a daunting trip to Athlone with a 21-13 victory over Buccaneers to maintain their 100 per cent record. All their scores came from former Shannon players as David Quinlan crossed for a 37th-minute try, converted by Tom Cregan who had already landed two penalties. However, it was the first-half kicking of Shannon's Dave Delaney that proved the difference as neither team registered a point in the second half.
Next Saturday the only team to beat Mick Galway's men this season, Cork Constitution, come to Thomond Park. They will be keen to replicate that AIB Cup scalp and Saturday's emphatic 49-0 whipping of Blackrock at Temple Hill. Physical ball carrying, by the backrow in particular, and good off-loading in the tackle resulted in seven tries, Cronan Healy crossing twice.
Blackrock seek atonement against Clontarf next weekend but this looks like an equally difficult task after the north Dublin club picked up a seventh bonus point by beating Lansdowne 35-20 at IRFU headquarters.
Garryowen maintained their position in second place with 28-24 victory over Ballymena at Eaton Park despite a 19-point contribution from the out-of-favour Ulster outhalf Paddy Wallace.
Division One new boys UL-Bohemians and St Mary's both picked up their first bonus point for tries scored with victories over UCD and Galwegians, respectively, to secure mid-table security.
Dungannon remain sixth after edging past County Carlow 18-13 at Stevenson Park.
