AIL ROUNDUP

Cork Constitution lost top spot in Division One of the AIB All Ireland League to Garryowen as seven sides battle it out for the four semi final places with two game remaining.

Darragh Lyons gave holders Cork Constitution an early 7-0 lead at Stradbrook with an intercept try and conversion but it was Blackrock College who finished the stronger and ran out deserving winners.

Garryowen moved to the top of the table as a result of their 45-7 one side victory over a weakened Ballymena side at Dooradoyle. Kevin Hartigan scored two of his sides six tries with Lorcan Burke, David Sherry, Willie Staunton and Neville Melbourne getting the others. Conor Kilroy kicked three penalties and two conversions with Staunton also adding a conversion.

Shannon came from 12-0 down against Old Belvedere at Coonagh to keep their challenge alive with a 23-19 victory. Eamon Grace and Padraig O’Brien scored tries for the home side, with Dave O’Donovan kicking two penalties and Tadgh Bennett adding a penalty and two conversions.

A drop goal in injury time by Barry Keeshan gave Dolphin the points against Young Munster at Tom Clifford Park when they ran out 10-7 winners. Clem Casey had given the home side a 7-0 interval lead with a try which Matt Costello converted. Dolphin levelled with a try by Robbie Allen which Keeshan converted.

U.L. Bohemian kept their chances of a top eight finish alive with a 30-25 win over U.C.D. at the Bowl. The Limerick side trailed 8-3 at half time but a great start to the second half which yielded three tries from James O’Neill and one by Richie Feeney. Fergal Lawler kicked two penalties and two conversions for the visitors but they had to withstand a late rally from the students.

U.C.C. collected maximum points from their trip to Greystones emerging 46-3 winners. Gavin Dunne scored a try, five conversions and two penalties of his side’s tally. Sam Cronin got in for two tries and Alex Kelleher, Dave Callaghan and Colin O’Brien got a try each.

Highfield did the students a favour by preventing Lansdowne from getting a bonus point when the Dublin side ran out 17-7 winners at Woodleigh Park. John Murphy scored a try for the home side and Nick Wakley converted.

Bruff’s hopes of a top four finish were dealt a big blow when they lost at home to Ballynahinch 22-20. Finbarr Hogan and Cathal O’Regan scored tries for the home side and Brian Cahill kicked two conversions and two penalties.

Old Crescent still remain in fourth place despite their 20-13 defeat by DLSP. Philip Glamuzina scored a try for the Limerick side and Brian O’Shea kicked a conversion and penalty and Mark Woods also added a penalty.

Clonakilty eased their relegation worries with a 24-9 home win over Bective Rangers. Derek Dillon, Joe Crowley and Bless Nygahue scored tries for the West Cork side and Gary Cribb converted all three tries and kicked a penalty.

Thomond won their bottom of the table clash with Wanderers at Fitzgerald Park 19-9. Kevin O’Mahony scored a try and Declan Cusack kicked a conversion, drop goal and three penalties.

Nenagh Ormond dealt Midleton’s hopes of promotion a cruel play with a 14-8 victory at Nenagh.

Sunday’s Well defeated Barnhall 12-3 at Musgrave Park as they battle to avoid the relegation play off place. Dave Twohig and Barry Hanrahan were try scorers for the winners and Chris Burnett added a conversion.

Waterpark were eventually relegated when they lost at home to leaders Corinthians 49-3.