Ul Bohs and Shannon sitting pretty after emphatic victories

UL BOHEMIAN and Shannon reinforced their foothold at the summit of AIL Division One with devastating performances on Saturday.

UCD felt the full force of UL Bohs, conceding five tries in a 39-3 home defeat while Shannon were almost as emphatic in their 34-6 canter against Buccaneers at Thomond Park.

Three tries from Martin McPhail and two from No 8 James O’Neill along with the unerring boot of Ben Martin pushed UL Bohs to ten points — one clear of Shannon, who had front rowers Sean Cronin and Tony Buckley amongst their scorers.

Third-placed Garryowen needed a dramatic injury-time penalty from full-back Conor Kilroy to give them a two point win over Ballymena (12-10) at Dooradoyle.

Moments earlier Dirkie Strydom looked to have given the visitors the win when he slotted a dramatic drop goal, but it was fitting that Kilroy had the final say — he kicked all Garryowen’s points and ensured their perfect start to the season continues.

Cork Con, the only other side to have won both their opening games, had to endure a storming Blackrock comeback to record a 24-25 win at Stradbrook. The kicking talents of David Netherie along with tries from Richie Lane, Conor Quaid and Brendan Cutris helped Con to the four points.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Clontarf defeated Lansdowne 19-10; St Mary’s survived a late try from Conor McPhillips to overcome Galwegians 22-16 at Templeville Road while Terenure were 23-12 winners over Dungannon.

In Division Two, Greystones and UCC are locked at the top of the table on nine points apiece while Old Wesley and Ballynahinch are similarly placed at the helm of Division Three.