Terenure College 5 CBC Monkstown 3Yesterday's clash at Templeville Road proved a close-run affair with Terenure College made to fight for the win.

Monkstown enjoyed more than their fair share of the possession in the second half, but simply couldn't breach a Terenure defence with Conor Allen, in particular, unyielding in the centre.

With Michael Noone a towering presence in the lineout, Monkstown were presented with their first shot on goal after four minutes.

Monkstown outhalf Robert Banahan, kicking from inside the left-hand touchline, dropped his effort short, while opposing number Terry Jones was also unsuccessful with a kick from further out moments later.

But a Terenure infringement was to see Monkstown go ahead on 11 minutes with Banahan converting from in front of the posts.

Terenure's attempts to move the ball out wide were checked by an alert Monkstown outfit, with centre Gary Foley then pulling off a try-saving tackle on Ian Morley as he attempted to make the right-hand corner.

That proved the final action of the first half, but Monkstown then had frontrow Conor O'Raghaillaigh sin-binned on 46 minutes.

Moments later Terenure College registered the only try of the game when Niall McDonagh scored.

Monkstown were, for the most part, on top after that with a run from full back Scott O'Brien almost resulting in a try on the right with 10 minutes to go.

CBC MONKSTOWN: S O'Brien; D Finnegan, G Foley, K Jenkinson, J Clarke; C Banahan, A Quinn; C O'Raghaillaigh, D Lewis, R Kearney, R Fayne, S Grannell, S Boucher, J Rogers, M Noone. Replacements: D Graham for Kearney (half-time); S Flood for Boucher (47 mins); R Ivors for Fayne (60).

TERENURE COLLEGE: R Williamson; D Byrne, P Elliott, C Allen, B Duke; T Jones, O O'Hanlon; N McDonagh, R Byrne, J Clarke, R Duke, C Keenan, C Farrell, G Costello, I Morley. Replacements: K Elliott for Farrell (36 mins); K Moloney for Clarke (46); M Baston for Keenan (59); P Denton for Allen (68).

Referee: P Dennehy (ARLB).