RUGBY:IT WAS a case of normal service resumed as Cork Constitution moved back to the top of Division One A of the Ulster Bank (All Ireland) League at Temple Hill on Saturday with a 23-12 win over Old Belvedere.
For much of this season, Cork Constitution have found themselves upstaged by their Dublin rivals. Old Belvedere had set the standards to deservedly head the league at the half-way stage of the campaign.
Not any more. They were second best for virtually all of this match with Cork Con producing a brand of rugby which undoubtedly makes them favourites to retain the trophy after tries from Cathal O’Flaherty, Denis Fogarty and Brian Hayes.
To their credit, Old Belvedere at least denied Cork Con a bonus point, and hit back to gain a consolation score when substitute Derek Buckley got over for a try in the closing stages to add to Andy Dunne’s try.
St Mary’s lie in third spot after their 13-11 victory over Young Munster at Templeville Road, seven points clear of fourth-placed Young Munster.
As things stand, there are two distinct groups.
Young Munster, for example, may be fourth but they are still only three points ahead of bottom team, Blackrock. That said, their recent form suggests that they are capable of staying out of trouble.
Having trounced Dolphin in their last outing, they came within a whisker of upsetting St Mary’s. It took a late drop goal from substitute Gavin Dunne to secure victory for the home side.
St Mary’s had led 10-8 at the interval with outhalf Ian McKinley scoring a try, converting it, and landing a penalty. Young Munster responded with a try from wing Aaron Carroll and a penalty from Alan Kingsley.
A further penalty from Kingsley left Young Munster 11-10 ahead until late pressure brought about the opportunity for Dunne to land the winning drop goal.
Dolphin, beaten 35-0 by Young Munster last time out, responded by travelling to Stradbrook to defeat Blackrock 32-16. Yet again, the boot of Barry Keeshan was vital, the Dolphin captain contributing 22 points.
Cian Bohane and Danny Barnes also scored tries against a disappointing Blackrock outfit. With Garryowen having beaten Shannon on Friday night, there is now just three points separating the bottom five teams.
Clontarf stay out in front in Division One B but second-placed Bucaneers also remain very live contenders. Either one could still claim the semi-final spot from this division.
Bernard Jackman could not fault his Clontarf side as they scored five tries to see off Galwegians 30-10 at Castle Avenue. Michael McGrath, Michael Keating, Aaron Dundon, Barry O’Mahony and Noel Reid secured the tries.
They are now five points clear at the top but Buccaneers do have a game in hand. And the manner of their 35-8 home victory over Bruff suggests that they are not going away.
