All-Ireland League semi-finals/ Shannon 27; Belfast Harlequins 13: Shannon proved, once again, that they thrive on the big stage as they progressed to their third AIB League final in seven years after a thoroughly competent performance at a sunny Thomond Park on Saturday.
They caught Belfast Harlequins cold with two tries in the opening 20 minutes to leave the sizeable Limerick crowd in good spirits throughout.
There was a minor revival from the Ulster men midway through the second half, when captain Rory Best crossed for a try, converted by AJ Derwin, to leave it 15-13. However, the boot of Tom Cregan reduced the threat within a minute - the right winger would finish with four penalties.
Shannon outhalf Andrew Thompson also kicked well, from the hand, to ensure his pack were constantly trotting in their favoured direction. Two raking touch-finders late on knocked the stuffing out of Harlequins.
The back row of John O'Connor, Tom Hayes and Colm McMahon also deserve a special mention for their work-rate, while Brian Tuohy was a constant menace at outside centre.
Belfast Harlequins have only themselves to blame. When you give a quality side like Geoff Moylan's a 15-point cushion it's safe to assume you will be heading home with your tail between your legs.
"We focused in on the start as we reckoned playing in Thomond Park would have a bit of a fear factor for them," said the Shannon coach. "Granted, we did get an opportunistic try but we'll take it."
That came after 12 minutes when Quins scrumhalf Reece Spee's attempted reverse pass was intercepted by Tuohy, who sprinted 80 yards to touch down under the posts. Back in the Shannon 22, Spee and Greg Mitchell were still arguing over who was at fault; the body language didn't bode well for the remaining 60 minutes.
Within six minutes, Mossy Lawlor crossed in the corner for Shannon's second try after an initial break from O'Connor.
Shannon were humming. Lawlor almost made it over again but O'Connor's errant pass forced him to check his run.
Harlequins then attempted to outmuscle their opponents. It proved fruitless, as their recycling was painfully slow and every attack was transparent. Shannon simply rolled up their sleeves and made their tackles.
Strangely, the league's top try scorer, Willem Slabbert, was never used as an attacking option, while Spee was outclassed by his opposite number Fiach O'Loughlin.
To their credit, Quins did produce a revival via Best's try in the 56th minute but thereafter Shannon played the game in the Belfast 22, two Cregan penalties and a drop goal from Thompson putting the result beyond doubt.
Cork Constitution will not be as accommodating next Saturday. They beat Shannon comprehensively a couple of weeks ago, a performance that will be closely analysed by Moylan this week.
"Yeah, Con gave us a good roasting in Cork. They were superior in every facet of play and have since strengthened up their side by adding David Pusey and Anthony Horgan, so our lads are just going to have to raise their games," he said.
SCORING SEQUENCE: 11 mins: T Cregan pen, 3-0; 13: B Tuohy try, Cregan con, 10-0; 19: M Lawlor try, 15-0; 25: AJ Derwin pen, 15-3. Half-time: 15-3. 46: Derwin pen, 15-6; 56: R Best try, Derwin con, 15-13; 59: Cregan pen, 18-13; 62: Cregan pen, 21-13; 68: A Thompson drop goal, 24-13; 75: Cregan pen, 27-13.
SHANNON: J Lacey; T Cregan, B Tuohy, E Cahill, M Lawlor; A Thompson, F O'Loughlin; F Roche, N Conroy, G McNamara, T Hogan, J Hadnett, C McMahon, J O'Connor, T Hayes (capt). Replacements: D O'Donovan for Lawlor (48 mins); E Halvey for Hadnett (60 mins); B Buckley for Hogan; I Dowling for Cahill; T Downes for Roche (all 82).
BELFAST HARLEQUINS: J Lowe; W Slabbert, S Wilson, G Mitchell, C Atkinson; A Derwin, R Spee; J Carey, R Best (capt), S Shawe, D Barbour, L McGowan, S Lamb, P Minnis, C McCarey. Replacements: J Andress for Lowe (9 mins); N Hanna for Lamb (55); C Keown for Shawe; J McLaughlin for Derwin (both 70); S Clancy for Spee (76); M Graham for Best (79).
Referee: O Trevor (Cork).
