Hurley's class gives Cork Constitution the edge

All-Ireland League First DivisionThe AIB All-Ireland League First Division table is starting to take a familiar shape. Five Munster clubs went into Saturday's programme occupying the top five places and wins for Shannon, Cork Constitution, Dolphin and UL Bohemians saw them retain the southern stranglehold, the only blemish on this Munster hegemony being Clontarf's eye-catching win away to the champions Garryowen.

Constitution had travelled to Terenure, Leinster's leading club in sixth place going into the match, as one of only two unbeaten sides and were propelled to victory by a surging, two-try performance from one of their two full-time professionals, Darragh Hurley, on his full league debut for the club.

The 22-year-old proved unstoppable when breaking off from two lineout drives to surge over in the first half, as well as contributing to Constitution's influential dominance in the scrums.

Even so, a superb individual try by the excellent David McAllister kept the home side in touch at 15-7 after playing into the teeth of the biting wind and rain.

McAllister's boot availed of the wind and twice kicked Terenure to within five points of Constitution, who rolled up their sleeves, and largely controlled possession close-in; their impressive backrow of Brendan Cutriss, Ed Leamy and Frank Hogan leaving an indelible imprint on the game along with their composed young halves, the slick-passing, sniping Duncan Williams and Evan Ryan.

A third mauling try, by replacement hooker Des Murray, left Terenure with the consolation of a bonus point courtesy of McAllister's third penalty; a 16-23 defeat a marked improvement on their 62-12 thrashing by the same opponents last season.

Con's only blemish was a first yellow card of his career for John Kelly, seemingly for complaining about "coming in from the side" from a prostrate position. Otherwise, it was the young home side - missing their French under-18 number eight Bertrand Guity - who fell foul of Derek Philips.

"Con's experience came through in the end," admitted Terenure coach Kevin West.

"It's a great win for us," enthused Cork's Brian Walsh. "They (Terenure) are a good community club and tough to beat at home, so we're delighted. McAlister's try was a lovely bit of football, but a soft score from our viewpoint, but in the second half we found a nice tempo to our game."

Shannon's forward power helped the leaders maintain their 100 per cent record, the introduction of Anthony Foley and Mossie Lawlor helping to steer the eight-time champions to a 26-7 win over Blackrock at Coonagh.

At Crowley Park Galwegians wasted a host of chances with the wind at their backs. Paul Warwick's introduction helped turn the tide for UL Bohemians and tries by Mark Butler and Warwick, who converted from the touchline and landed a penalty, completed an 18-0 win.

Dolphin are up to third place following a 21-5 victory over Lansdowne at Musgrave Park, outhalf Barry Keeshan landing two penalties and converting a try by Rory Kenneally before Fergus Gately's second-half try effectively sealed the outcome.

Clontarf secured the win of the day at Dooradoyle thanks to a dominant performance by their pack, Leinster prop Cian Healy's try helping them to an 11-3 interval lead in a 19-8 win.

UCD's gale-assisted, 21-0 interval lead was just enough to withstand Old Belvedere's second-half onslaught and secure a 24-22 win while St Mary's moved off the bottom of the table thanks to a first win of the season, 26-3 at home to Dungannon.

Munster clubs hold the top three spots in Division Two also.Leaders Young Munster were held by Belfast Harlequins at Deramore Park. DLSP had the win of the day at third-placed Highfield.

How They Stand

P W D L F A B Pts

Shannon 5 5 0 0 88 48 0 20

Cork Con 5 4 1 0 90 50 0 18

Dolphin 5 4 0 1 113 84 1 17

UL Bohemian 5 4 0 1 69 33 0 16

Ballymena 5 3 0 2 90 73 2 14

Clontarf 5 2 0 3 98 84 5 13

Garryowen 5 2 1 2 71 60 2 12

Terenure 5 2 0 3 92 103 4 12

UCD 5 3 0 2 71 85 0 12

Blackrock 5 2 0 3 88 98 2 10

Galwegians 5 2 0 3 62 74 2 10

Lansdowne 5 2 0 3 69 84 1 9

St Mary's 5 1 0 4 67 70 3 7

Old Belvedere 5 1 0 4 87 100 3 7

Dungannon 5 1 0 4 83 124 2 6

Greystones 5 1 0 4 50 118 0 4