Cunningham returns in triumph to Trinity

Dublin University 5 Garryowen 6

“At this stage, it is all about winning matches. We are in the top four and if we win all our remaining fixtures we will be in the semi-final. It is as simple as that,” said Cunningham.

Garryowen are now creeping towards the top, two points shy of Shannon and Clontarf, and, even more noticeable is the fact that fifth-placed UCD are eight points adrift of the Limerick club.

Cunningham was instrumental in taking away College’s strengths and making them weaknesses.

The number one rule was to stop number eight Jamie Heaslip getting on the ball and over the gain line.

Heaslip was shadowed by a vigilant back row of Paul Neville, Peter Malone and Anthony Kavanagh. The Ireland U21 World Cup finalist could not break away. Trinity’s momentum was stopped and the backs were closed down quickly.

The Sky Blues had Gerry Hurley to thank for two penalties in the 18th and 40th minutes to open up a 6-0 lead at the break.

Even though Trinity lost second row Marc Warburton to a red card, they nearly pulled the game out of the fire when Hugh Hogan peeled around the front of the lineout for a 76th minute try.

Trinity looked to retrieve a game they had no right to win but Garryowen held their discipline.

Elsewhere, Clontarf, who face a daunting trip to Thomond Park when the league recommences on March 26, slipped to second despite their fifth win in six outings. They had former Ireland U19 Donovan Rossi to thank as he grabbed a try hat-trick in their 19-13 defeat of former leaders UCD.

With just three weekends left before the divisional play-off places are decided, fourth-ranked Belfast Harlequins, who bid farewell to long-term coach Andre Bester earlier this week, recorded a stunning 56-14 rout of Buccaneers.

The Connacht men are still without a win in 2005, and just seven points off the bottom after stand-in Quins boss DC Gillespie celebrated with an eight-try bounty.

Flanker Chris McCarey scored three of their tries, with fly-half Ian Humphreys notching a 21-point haul. Buccs’ points came from a late Pat O’Sullivan effort and three first-half penalties from Justin Meagher.

Connacht veteran Eric Elwood matched Delaney’s efforts with seven conversions and a penalty for Galwegians.

The 35-year-old, making his first club start of the season, marshalled a full-strength ‘Wegians side superbly, as they ran out 52-10 victors over bottom side County Carlow.

Tom Allen and Scott Donald bagged two tries apiece, with Richie Murphy accounting for all of the Midlaners’ points.

At Stradbrook, first-half tries from Andy O’Neill and Cork Constitution youngster Peter O’Brien failed to split Blackrock and their southern visitors as they drew 8-8.

Meanwhile, Ulster’s Paddy Wallace offered up a 20-point cameo in Ballymena’s comprehensive 45-5 defeat of Lansdowne on the main pitch at headquarters. He pocketed two tries and five conversions in their seven-try success.

In Division 2, St. Mary’s move up to second place behind Dolphin as a result of their 27-17 win over Midleton, while UCC slipped to third after losing 18-5 to Malone.

Highfield remain at the bottom after losing 18-17 away to fourth place Bective yesterday.

In Division 3, Greystones moved 13 points clear of their nearest rivals Clonakilty after beating third-placed Connemara 23-14, while Sundays Well remain in fourth place after a resounding 62-3 win over bottom side Ballina.