AIB LEAGUE/Blackrock 10 Cork Constitution 3:CORK CONSTITUTION must have left Stradbrook wondering just how they came away without a victory against the AIB League Division One A leaders.
Despite having to field without some key performers, they looked much the more efficient outfit when playing into a strong wind in the first half. It looked only a matter of time before they would overcome a 3-0 deficit.
Blackrock didn’t remotely resemble the side that had run in six tries against Garryowen last time out. Unable to get to grips with the difficult conditions, they hardly put a move together as Cork Constitution comfortably dealt with any pressure.
An announcement at half-time to remind everyone that Blackrock were 3-0 ahead really summed it all up. Their followers definitely needed reminding.
Cork Constitution, on the other hand, just knew they had to continue what they had been doing. Up to a point they did, Richie Lane kicking a penalty to level matters at 3-3 early in the second half.
But another two opportunities were missed and Blackrock suddenly began to believe they were still in with a chance.
What’s more, it was their pack and not their much talked-about young back division, that turned this game.
Marshalled by the former Leinster secondrow Des Dillon and current squad member Trevor Hogan, they began to hold on to their possession. Crucially, their use of that possession also improved with the talented wing Andrew Conway and centre Brendan Macken at last getting some sort of chance to show what they are all about.
But it was the pack which engineering the winning score, driving towards the Constitution line with just five minutes remaining. The move ended with scrumhalf Dave Moore forcing his way over from close in for a try which outhalf James Power converted.
It was a great finish to the match for Moore, who had struggled along with most of his colleagues when they had the advantage of the elements in the first half.
Apart from a penalty from Power, they could do little right, failing even to capitalise on the fact that Cork Constitution flanker Ed Leamy was sinbinned.
Yet, they did somehow show the resolve to turn events around when they had their backs to the wall in the second half.
And, while it was far from a perfect day, coaches Barry Gibney and Emmet Farrell were entitled to take some satisfaction.
For one thing, their pack seems to have proved a point, although much more will be known when they take on Clontarf at Castle Avenue next time out.
Secondly, they are still up there at the top of the table, ahead of the two other remaining unbeaten sides St Mary’s and Dolphin.
Cork Constitution are in mid-table, seven points adrift. Coach Brian Walsh reflected: “The danger is that you expect the wind is going to win it for you after doing the hard work in the first half.
“I felt we were on top 15 minutes into the second half . Unfortunately, we just went through a little lull and, in fairness to ’Rock they came back into it and scored a good try. You can’t take that away from them.”
BLACKROCK: N Morris; D Rowan, B Macken, K Tonnetti, A Conway; J Power, D Moore; J Barretto (S Byrne 63), J Mannion (D O’Brien 67), W Kavanagh, D Dillon (Capt), P Huntly (T Hogan 36), A Dunlop, P Ryan (S Farisarv 67), M Carroll.
CORK CONSTITUTION: D Lyons; R Lane, T Gleeson, E Ryan (Capt), S Zebo; S Deasy, D O’Driscoll; M Gatley, R Quinn, G Murray (R Massan 27), M O’Connell, B Hayes, B Holland, E Leamy (P O’Mahony 56), F Coogan.
Referee: D Wilkinson.
