Sport

Blackrock always in control

NO ONE could have anticipated Blackrock College’s 25-3 away AIB League Division 1A success over the holders Shannon on Saturday…

Mon Feb 22 2010 - 00:00

NO ONE could have anticipated Blackrock College’s 25-3 away AIB League Division 1A success over the holders Shannon on Saturday. Shannon went into the Coonagh fixture full of confidence following a bonus point away success over St Mary’s. Yet, the league leaders were never in contention against a rejuvenated Blackrock outfit.

Despite the absence of their star wing Andrew Conway, who was required by Leinster, Blackrock managed three tries through Mick Carroll, John Barretto and Dave Rowan. The only possible disappointment was that they didn’t secure the bonus point with a fourth.

The victory keeps them on the fringe of a play-off spot, while Shannon are now second behind Cork Con.

Significantly, St Mary’s have moved to within two points of Shannon following their 39-12 demolition of bottom of the table UL Bohemians at Templeville Road. This was St Mary’s back at their best and revenge for a surprise defeat by UL Bohs earlier in the season. They scored five tries, with backrow forward Hugh Hogan getting two of them.

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Elsewhere, Garryowen continued their recent good run by accounting for Dolphin 21-9 at Musgrave Park. The key moment came 10 minutes from the end when Dolphin’s representative flanker Barry O’Mahony intercepted inside his own half only to knock on as he attempted to touch down.

At that stage, Garryowen were only 16-9 in front. To compound matters, Garryowen wing Alan Geoghan scored his second try, thereby denying Dolphin a losing bonus point.

Old Belvedere remain on top in Division 1B following an emphatic 31-3 home success over Galwegians. Yet again, they scored four tries to pick up the bonus point, and player-coach Andy Dunne was also in top form with his place kicking.

Young Munster stay two points behind after an impressive away 27-13 success over Ballymena. Outhalf Alan Kingsley was the key figure, contributing a try and four penalties.

UCC are nine points adrift in third place, despite hammering Ballynahinch 32-10 at the Mardyke, while, in the remaining match, Buccaneers got a much needed 15-10 victory over Dungannon.