Cork Constitution emerge as play-off contenders

All-Ireland League Round-up: Cork Constitution moved through the gears with only their second win of the season against Clontarf to finally announce their arrival as play-off contenders in the AIB All-Ireland League.

Until Saturday's defeat at Temple Hill, Clontarf and Garryowen had been the only unbeaten teams in Division One but Phil Werahiko's team have a fair stretch to cover before they can return to the heights of two years ago. Con's 16-9 victory should have been far greater but for some uncharacteristically bad kicking from scrumhalf Pat McCarthy. However, outhalf Barry Keeshan's late penalty ensured the foundations laid down by Peter O'Brien's first-half try were prevailed. The result leaves the Cork club just one place off the play-offs in fifth.

Meanwhile, Dungannon were largely indebted to their under-21 international outhalf Gareth Steenson for the narrow victory over Lansdowne.

Captain Paul Magee crossed for the all-important try 15 minutes from time but it was Steenson's conversion and two penalties that tipped the scales.

The victory eases the Ulster clubs relegation concerns but coach Jeremy Davidson will be keen to keep the services of his young number 10 in the coming months.

There are only two games next weekend with Co Carlow hosting Buccaneers, while Ballymena - under new coach Steph Nel - travel to Blackrock.