Archer on target as Con claim win
Archer has enjoyed several outings in the provincial shirt this season but his return to club colours ensured Con enjoyed supremacy in the forward exchanges. The former CBC schoolboy went over for a 55th minute try which, when converted by Scott Deasy, pushed the hosts 10-6 in front.
Former UCC No 10 Gavin Dunne handed the Dublin side a 6-3 half-time advantage with two first half penalties but Con’s careful game-management on the turnover proved decisive. Deasy followed up his conversion with a penalty before Daragh Lyons made it 16-6 with a fine drop goal. However, six minutes from time, Dunne secured the bonus point for the Leinster side, a kick that cemented Marys’ place at the top of the division.
Shannon, meanwhile, moved to third following an impressive 21-13 win over Clontarf at Castle Avenue. Fielding their most complete back line this season, complimented by Munster stars Felix Jones and Ian Dowling, Colm Tucker’s men laid the foundations for victory in the first half thanks to two fine tries.
Jones notched an early try and then set up Limerick footballer Stephen Kelly for a second. However, Shannon’s indiscipline cost them dearly and Darragh O’Shea punished them with two penalties to leave it 12-6 at the break. Tadhg Bennett kept Shannon on the front foot with two penalties before the Munster men endured some nervous moments in the closing stages when Martin Dufficy got in for a 77th minute try. However, two minutes later, Bennett landed a sweet drop goal to deny ‘Tarf the bonus point.
It was a good weekend for the Munster clubs with Dolphin overcoming Blackrock College 12-6 at Stradbrook Road. Fielding Munster’s Nick Williams and James Coughlan in the back row, Dolphin ran out deserving winners in the capital.
UL Bohs hosted neighbours Garryowen in a glamour match under the Thomond Park floodlights but the home side went under 9-5. Ed Torrie scored the UL Bohs try but penalties from Conor Murray and Willie Stanton and a drop goal from the former gave Garryowen the win.
In Division 1B, leaders Old Belvedere secured their fifth victory thanks to an emphatic 29-10 win away to Ballynahinch. Impressive winger David Mongan notched two tries but it was full back Conal Keane who stole the show landing four penalties and two conversions.
UCC demolished bottom-placed Buccaneers 25-6 at the Mardyke. Brian Dennehy, Sean Scanlon and Ivan Dineen touched down while the talented Andrew Burke, kicked the rest of the points.
Ballymena enjoyed a 21-15 victory at Dungannon while Young Munster continued their rich form recording a 16-9 win over Galwegians at Crowley Park, Derek Corcoran’s 65th minute try proving the decisive score.
In Division Two Lansdowne made it seven wins from seven overcoming Corinthians 34-5 while second placed DLSP had little trouble brushing aside the challenge of Thomond. Trinity College and Bruff played out a thriller in the capital, the students eventually emerging 34-29 winners. Terenure College, Highfield and Old Wesley also recorded wins while the UCD-Bective and Malone-Clon matches ended all-square.
In Division Three Midleton kept their unblemished league record intact with a 40-7 victory away to Ards. Sunday’s Well are also enjoying a much better season, posting their fifth win of the season with a 27-5 victory over Connemara at Musgrave Park.
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