Cork Con revival denies Galwegians a first win

Galwegians 24 Cork Constitution 37

This Crowley Park fixture was often intense but after getting a first half fright, Constitution finally struck back to stamp their class on the contest.

Constitution were first to strike after less than a minute when Pat McCarthy’s chip through was fastened onto by full-back Dave O’Brien who made it all the way to the line for a try that McCarthy converted.

But this young Galwegians side fought back. David Delaney kicked a 14th-minute penalty and while Cronan Healy scored again for Con, with McCarthy adding the extra points, Darren Balcombe put the home side back in the hunt with a fine try.

In 24 minutes, John Cleary ploughed over and Delaney gave the delighted home side the lead for the first time. Delaney added to it with a 38th minute penalty and Galwegians enjoyed a four points advantage at the break.

McCarthy and Delaney exchanged penalties early in the second half but Shane O’Connor drove over for a Con try and McCarthy converted before Delaney levelled matters midway through the half with a penalty.

Con finally pulled away in the last quarter. McCarthy kicked two penalties and converted a further try by substitute Denis Fogarty.

Shannon were stung by the students of UCD who have now taken points from two of the best sides in the division. Last week UCD earned a worthy draw against Constitution and went one better at home against the Limerick side.

UCD started their challenge early, just as they had done a week before in Cork. On this occasion they held their nerve despite a late rally and surge by Shannon to win by 18 points to 16.

Buccaneers stunned Garryowen with a well deserved victory at Dooradoyle. The Connacht side actually dominated the game from start to finish and the star of the show was centre William Wallace even though he failed to get on the try scoring list.

County Carlow picked up a bonus point as they romped to a comprehensive 36-6 win over St Mary’s College.

Carlow’s win puts them in joint third and St. Mary’s are struggling after losing three and drawing one of their four games to date.

Last year’s beaten finalists Clontarf were shocked at Stradbrook when a late try by winger Paul Drew proved crucial to a narrow Blackrock victory.

Belfast Harlequins had no such worries at home against Lansdowne. Even though Lansdowne fought back well in the second half, Harlequins were still full value for their 31 points to 17 win and the bonus point gained helped push them up the table.