Sport

Elite clubs making consistency count as table takes shape

All-Ireland League : The general consensus in the AIB League is that every side is capable of turning over another, on any given…

Mon Dec 08 2003 - 00:00

All-Ireland League: The general consensus in the AIB League is that every side is capable of turning over another, on any given day.

That may be the case, but another home truth is that only a handful of clubs can do it consistently.

Last weekend these elite clubs began to open up a sizable difference at the business end of the table that will continue to expand as the season rolls on.

In contrast to most other grounds around the country the numbers did turn out to see Shannon defeat their age-old rivals Garryowen in Dooradoyle on Saturday. Tom Cregan added a try to his impressive kicking display, he finished with an 18-point total in his side's 28-15 victory.

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However, Cork Constitution stayed a point clear of the Limerickmen at the top, and kept their undefeated record intact, with a narrow victory over Dolphin (11-9) in only the second ever all-Cork Division One derby at Musgrave Park.

Dolphin missed the chance to get out of the long shadow cast by their neighbours when the normally reliable John O'Mahony missed a string of kickable opportunities, including a late penalty to win the match. Substitute Tom Ryan got the all-important try for Constitution just after the hour mark.

Victories for Ballymena and Buccaneers ensured the Munster domination of the competition is not sacrosanct. With Paddy Wallace still in harness - he is waiting for a call-up to the Ulster squad - last year's champions eased to victory away to Carlow.

Wallace kicked three penalties and converted tries from Dirkie Strydom and Andrew Maxwell to condemn the midland club to their second consecutive defeat.

Yet again the main challenge from Dublin looks set to be from Clontarf as they beat St Mary's in yesterday's re-arranged tie at Templeville road 25-21. The league's bottom club made them earn their points as it took an injury-time try from Niall O'Brien to secure victory.

The Sunday fixture allowed Leinster fringe players Shane Jennings and Aidan Kearney to line out for St Mary's and Clontarf respectively. Both players crossed their opponents' line in the exciting six-try affair.

Meanwhile, UCD's successful season stalled over the weekend when they were out-foxed by the forward orientated game plan employed by Dungannon, going down 5-10 in Belfield. Galwegians got their first win of the campaign at home against Lansdowne, winning 25-24.