All-Ireland League round-up: Felipe Contepomi is not the first world class outhalf to come away from Thomond Park with noting to show for his endeavours and, if it's any comfort, he won't be the last.
In yesterday's rescheduled fixture, Shannon kept the pressure up on leaders Cork Constitution with a 20-11 victory over Co Carlow yesterday.
Tries from Tom Cregan and Eoin Cahill proved the difference between the sides as Carlow's initially promising season continues to turn into a nightmare. They are now stranded in mid-table limbo with the only realistic goal being survival.
Cregan, a strong candidate for the league's most consistent player this year, had another solid day with the boot, kicking two penalties and two conversions. He also claimed the first try in the 39th minute, after an initial break by Brian Tuohy.
With the Shannon pack in such fine form, Contepomi struggled to dictate affairs and had to be satisfied with two penalties. Carlow coach Dan Van Zyl said the Argentinian's presence gave his side a confidence boost, but added: "It was difficult for him. I know from last year that you are expecting the fellas to run lines, like the Leinster guys would do, but in the league the guys are about two yards slower."
A victory for Clontarf against Buccaneers at Moher Road would have reinvigorated their push for the play-offs. However, they had to be content with a draw as they trailed 12-0 entering the final minutes.
Former Buccaneers man Niall O'Brien ran in two late tries but it was Dave McAllister's injury-time conversion that salvaged the two points.
Cork Constitution produced another Houdini act at Temple Hill when Dave O'Brien got the winning try seven minutes into injury time to secure a 20-16 victory over St Mary's.
Belfast Harlequins handed out a crushing 50-17 defeat to Garryowen with William Slabbert crossing for five of his side's eight tries. However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for Munster clubs up north as Dolphin continued their move out of the relegation zone with a 15-10 victory over Dungannon at Stevenson Park.
