RUGBY:HOLDERS Cork Constitution continued their impressive start to their All-Ireland League Division One A campaign by collecting a bonus point in their 32-19 Temple Hill success over Young Munster.
They are now three points clear at the top of the table, and the only remaining unbeaten side. Young Munster went into the encounter having won their opening two games.
But they were unable to stop Cork Constitution scoring five tries through Brian Hayes (two), Simon Zebo, Peter O’Mahony and Richard Lane. Lane added two conversions.
Young Munster could only manage one try from Matthew Costelloe with the rest of the points coming from the boot of Alan Kingsley.
Shannon were humiliated by St Mary’s at Templeville Road on Saturday. The most successful team in the history of the competition conceded eight tries, four of which were scored by St Mary’s winger Darren Hudson. To make matters worse, Shannon didn’t even manage to register a score themselves as they went down to a record 53-0 defeat.
The result means St Mary’s have got their season going in dramatic fashion after defeats in their opening two games. Significantly, they fielded easily their strongest line-up to date with international Rhys Ruddock featuring in the backrow.
Old Belvedere bounced back from their narrow defeat to Cork Con last time out to move into second place with a 29-20 victory over Blackrock College at Stradbrook. Blackrock, in fact, led for much of the game but, not for the first time this season, faded in the final quarter.
The Old Belvedere outfit took full advantage to finish with four tries from Richie Leyden (2), Alan Trenier and Dave Mongan. Once again, the efforts of the talented Old Belvedere backrow was vital.
Garryowen moved ahead of Blackrock off the bottom of the table by trouncing Dolphin 45-27 at Dooradoyle. Ronan O’Mahony scored two of Garryowen’s six tries as they recorded their first victory.
In Division One B, Clontarf continue to lead the way following a hard-earned 25-15 Castle Avenue success over Buccaneers. Michael Keating, Aaron Dundon and Michael Kearney scored Contarf’s tries.
UL Bohemians have moved into second place by beating Lansdowne 19-9 at Annacotty. The introduction of Munster’s Barry Murphy at half-time after a spell out through injury proved crucial.
Murphy showed he is in good health by scoring a spectacular intercept try. Lansdowne, having scored 61 points against UCC in the last outing, could not manage a single try.
Elsewhere, Bruff recorded the first victory of their campaign by edging out UCC 15-13 at the Mardyke and Dungannon got the better of Galwegians in an even tighter encounter 26-25 at Crowley Park.
