Shannon return to the top

CHAMPIONS Shannon returned to the summit of AIL Division One with a 16-3 demolition of St Mary’s at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Jonathan Sexton’s fourth minute penalty gave the visitors an early lead — but that was to be their only score of the afternoon. Tadhg Bennett kicked his side level on 28 minutes as the sides retired level at the interval on three points apiece.

After the break Shannon began to show their class. Bennett extended their lead to six with two penalties in the 45th and 62nd minutes before impressive prop Les Hogan sealed victory for Mick Galwey’s men.