THE DISPLAYS from both these AIL division one teams on Saturday were dreadful, leaving a very disappointed crowd with only the favourable, weather to lift their spirits.

Shannon are the champions and with only, one match remaining against a struggling Instonians team it is highly possible that they can become the first club to retain the league title. It can hardly be good for the AIL, however, if a team that can show such incompetence as they did here, go on to win the championship.

It there were mistakes to be made, both teams were guilty. Countless knock-ons, off-sides and above all some woeful goal-kicking, marred what promised to be a highly entertaining encounter. There was a point on, Saturday when it looked as if both Garryowen and St Mary's would lose, and when this was conveyed to the home fans by way of the public address only a muffled cheer could be heard. because at 3-0 ahead and with their team producing some terrible play, there was a fear that they could easily throw away this golden opportunity.

There were eleven attempts on goal in the match, all from feasible ranges and only Pat Murray's penalty after 13 minutes was successful. Andrew Thompson also tried his hand for Shannon as did Barry Murphy and John Philpott for the visitors, but all were frustrated by their efforts.

The only interesting point of the match was the try. With only five minutes remaining Shannon were awarded five scrums on thy live metre line amid a number of penalties. Having opted for the scrum, scrumhalf Gavin Russell made a lovely break on the blind side, popped the hall to Anthony Foley who fed his winger, Billy O'Shea, with the easy task of diving in the corner for the score.

Presuming Shannon can now overcome the challenge of Instonians and because, of a much superior points difference, Garryowen must take at least three points from a possible four against St Mary's and Young Munster. Either way the title should remain in Limerick for yet another year.