Blackrock lead the way

ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE: Not even the most myopic Blackrock supporter could have envisaged their pre-eminence with the AIB League Division One heading for a Christmas break of sorts. The next series of matches is scheduled for December 28th.

The Stradbrook club sit proudly at the top of the table having secured an excellent 29-11 away victory over Buccaneers. The final margin flattered the visitors a little but captain and loosehead prop Aidan McSweeney would brook no argument about the merit of their win.

"The scoreline was flattering to an extent," he said. "We scored one try right at the death and another about six minutes prior to that. I mean midway through the second half we were leading 15-11 and the match could have been won by either team. We recovered from a shaky start to produce a good performance."

The performance of the pack was central to their victory, illustrated in the fact that three of the four tries - they earned a bonus point for that - came from that sector of the team, Michael Carroll (two) and John Fitzgerald. Centre Gary Brown increased his try tally with the other.

Blackrock's pack has been accused of being a little lightweight, but Sweeney bristles at the suggestion. "We are not a huge pack of forwards so I think people underestimate us in that respect. We play to our strengths, which are speed and fitness levels and have been consciously trying to speed up our game. We have an excellent set of backs and have the responsibility to get them plenty of ball.

"After the match we spoke about the fact that we needed to stay focused on our goals."

Blackrock took over from Galwegians at the top of the table, the latter unceremoniously dumped at home by Carlow in a surprise reversal. The Leinster club were convincing 27-9 winners, with their player-coach and scrumhalf, the South African Dan Van Zyl, a tremendous influence. He contributed a try, two penalties and three conversions for 17 points.

It proved to be a bad day for most of the home teams with Cork Constitution, Shannon and Terenure all beaten in front of their home supporters. Con had never lost to Lansdowne in the history of the competition at Temple Hill but they did exactly that on Saturday, going down 27-17.

The Cork club led 11-0 but a tremendous second-half display - including a stunning performance by Leinster contracted player Matt Leek at outhalf who chipped in with 22 points - helped Lansdowne to victory.

Clontarf underlined their play-off credentials with a 17-11 win over Shannon. A late try by wing Niall O'Brien and a great display by hooker Bernard Jackman were central to their success.

Terenure's season continues to plumb the depths, their latest defeat coming at the hands of fellow strugglers UL Bohemian, who won a close game 15-13 at Lakelands.

Ballymena retained their second position in the table with an excellent home win over Belfast Harlequins, while UCD outhalf Eoghan Hickey was the toast of Belfield after his late penalty gave the students a 21-19 victory over Dungannon.