Shannon and Clontarf sitting pretty

SHANNON kept the lead of the AIB All-Ireland League Division One on Saturday with a hard fought 25-18 win over Dublin University at Thomond Park.

Shannon were 25-7 up at half-time and were kept scoreless throughout the second period as the students piled on the pressure to try and close the gap. The win leaves Shannon tied at the top with Clontarf on 28 points apiece, but the Limerick side have a better points difference.

Clontarf had a comfortable 30-10 win over Buccaneers, while Belfast Harlequins - a point behind the leaders - thrashed Galwegians 68-10.

Cork Con had an impressive 54-22 victory over bottom-of-the-table County Carlow, which included a Cronan Healy hat-trick of tries, while UCD lost at home to Ballymena 9-17 and Dungannon won 17-10 against Blackrock.

In Division Two, UCC leapt to the top of the table with a commanding 35-19 win over Old Crescent, but Dolphin (drew with Terenure) and St Marys (beat Old Belvedere) are level on points with the students.

Greystones remain at the head of affairs in Division 3 after thrashing Banbridge 76-3.