Blackrock, St Mary’s still setting the pace

BOTH Blackrock College and St. Mary’s maintained their strong challenge for AIB League honours when accounting for Munster opposition at the weekend.

Blackrock remain in pole position in division 1A on points difference from their Dublin rivals after a 10-3 victory over Cork Constitution on a wet, windy, day at Stradbrook.

The home side have David Moore to thank as he went in for the only try of the game to make all the difference. James Power kicked the conversion and a penalty to one penalty from Richard Lane.

In another tight game at Dooradoyle, Gavin Dunne was the hero when he dropped the winning goal late on to secure a 6-3 victory for his side after his earlier penalty was cancelled out by Gerry Hurley for Garryowen.

Dolphin’s win over champions Shannon keeps them in third place in the league; the three top spots filled by the only unbeaten sides.

Old Belvedere may have been denied victory by Young Munster at Clifford Park (3-3) but they remain on top of division 1A.

Belvedere had Fergus McFadden in action but he could only manage to register one penalty in response to Alan Kingsley’s effort for the home side as scoring chances were at a premium.

Lansdowne and Thomond continue to battle it out for top spot in division two, with both of them recording comprehensive victories on Saturday.

Lansdowne weren’t pressed unduly as they turned on the power to romp to a 30 points to 3 victory over Clonakilty, while Thomond recorded an equally impressive victory on the road against UCD.

The Limerick side came out on top 32-16.

Instonians weren’t seriously bothered as they were 19-3 to the good at home over Barnhall and that was enough to retain their place at the top of division three.

Their most serious challengers are Wanderers and Midleton, both of whom won their respective away fixtures – but only just.

Wanderers sneaked past Ards on a 13-12 score line while Midleton did just a little better, beating Navan 5-3.