Fast Lane sees Con seal narrow win

JEREMY MANNING’S late penalty helped Cork Constitution record their fifth consecutive win in Division One of the AIB League after an 18-16 victory away to Ballymena.

Richard Lane’s scoring prowess continued at Eaton Park when he ran in two tries to bring his tally for the season to nine, but Con were made to fight hard for a narrow win. The home side led 10-7 at the break, a Chris Henry try and five points from Craig Smith giving them a three-point buffer.

But Con upped the ante on the restart and tries from Evan Ryan and Lane keep them on course for a home semi-final.

Garryowen’s excellent form in 2008 keeps the holders well in contention for a play-off position after they defeated Galwegians 20-7 at Crowley Park. Frank McKenna and Munster lock Mark Melbourne touched down for the winners while Conor Kilroy landed 10 points.

Clontarf maintained their push for a semi-final spot when they edged out relegation-threatened Dungannon, 23-19, at Stevenson Park.

Derek Keane and Ulster Academy star, Thomas Anderson, exchanged first-half tries but the boot of Ian Keatley helped the north Dublin side to a 13-10 interval lead. Richard McCarter was in top form for the hosts, kicking three second-half penalties, but a try from prop Kenny Dorian helped secure ‘Tarf a valuable win. However, Dungannon earned a bonus point that may prove critical with just two rounds remaining.

Lansdowne, however, are in grave danger of falling through the trap-door to Division Two following a heavy defeat to Old Belvedere in this D4 derby at Anglesea Road.

They lie bottom of the pile after Belvo posted five tries and scorched to a 35-14 victory.

A late try from David Moore gave Blackrock College a 23-20 win over UL Bohs at the UL Bowl. Lawlor was in fine form with the boot for the home team but with time almost up, replacement scrumhalf Moore notched a late winner for the visitors.

Mark Mahony scored a first-half hat-trick of tries for Terenure College in their 31-20 win over St Mary’s at Templeville Road. Mary’s trailed 23-6 at half time but narrowed the margin to three points thanks to two converted tries from Daragh Fanning and Matthew D’Arcy. But a David McAllister drop goal — his second of the afternoon — and an injury-time try from Winger Cathal Morley gave the ‘Nure victory.

Greystones hauled themselves off the foot of the table following a 25-18 win over UCD. Jamie Hagan, Stuart O’Connell and David McKechnie posted tries for the winners while Cian Aherne, John Lee and Vasily Artemiev did so for the students.

Young Munster and Buccaneers are neck and neck at the top of Division Two following wins over DLSP and Malone respectively. UCC and Belfast Harlequins are also in the playoff positions after they enjoyed wins over Barnhall and Suttonians.

In Division Three, Bruff continued their relentless march towards automatic promotion with a 34-3 win away to Naas, who appear safe from the drop.

Third-placed QUB secured a play-off position when they overwhelmed Sunday’s Well 58-12 at Dub Lane. Instonians and Banbridge also recorded wins and complete the top four.