Sport

Young Munster move four points clear

RUGBY ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: YOUNG MUNSTER have gone four points clear at the top of the Ulster Bank Division 1A table following…

Mon Dec 05 2011 - 00:00

RUGBY ULSTER BANK LEAGUE:YOUNG MUNSTER have gone four points clear at the top of the Ulster Bank Division 1A table following an impressive 23-16 victory over Cork Constitution at Temple Hill. The accurate goal-kicking of Willie Staunton and a try from Shane O'Neill gave Young Munster a 16-6 interval lead and they added a penalty try, converted by Staunton, in the second half.

Cork Con did manage a late rally, scoring a try though centre Niall O’Driscoll, which earned them a losing bonus point.

They now drop to fourth spot in the table, with Garryowen having joined them on the 19-point mark. But it took Garryowen until the second half to eventually get the better of bottom side Blackrock College, 20-13, at Dooradoyle.

Blackrock, in fact, led 13-3 early in the second period. When Cian Culliton got over for a try, which was converted by Rob Keogh, a surprise result was on the cards.

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But Garryowen responded with tries from Conor Hartigan and substitute Paul Neville to turn the game around.

Three first-half tries from Jason Kelly, Ross McCarron and John Cooney, and solid goal-kicking from Craig Ronaldson, helped Lansdowne record a good 25-16 win over Shannon at Coonagh.

Shannon’s only try came late in the game from Paddy Butler.

In the remaining Division 1A encounter, Dolphin came good to inflict yet another defeat on defending champions Old Belvedere. At one stage in the first half at Anglesea Road, Old Belvedere led 10-0 following a try from Peter Woods but they were unable to maintain their effort.

Dolphin got back into contention with a try from John Quill and some good goal-kicking on the part of Barry Keeshan, before prop Christy Condon powered over for the crucial try in the second half to earn his side a 20-13 win.

There are new leaders in Division 1B where Ballymena have moved to the top of the table following a hard-fought 6-3 home win over Ballynahinch. Two penalties from John Semple proved decisive.

Ballynahinch drop to second, where they are joined by Buccaneers on the 24-point mark. Buccaneers returned to winning from with a comprehensive 33-20 success over Dungannon at Dubarry Park.

Galwegians continued their recent good form with a 41-18 five-try Crowley Park success over UCC, while Bruff secured an overdue 10-6 home victory over Belfast Harlequins. The final game saw UCD stage a second -half comeback to pip UL Bohemians 24-20 at Belfield.