Con tops, but plenty to work on, says Walsh

CORK CONSTITUTION coach Brian Walsh insists his side have plenty to work on, despite regaining their top dog status in the AIB League with a 20-18 Division 1A win over Clontarf.

Con survived a late fight-back inspired by ‘Tarf substitute Martin Dufficy to move back to the top of the standings with Saturday’s victory at Castle Avenue.

Walsh said: “We are delighted to win, although there is a lot to work on. This is a difficult venue to come to and, as was the case when we met them at our ground, there wasvery little in it.

“We are in a good position, back at the top of the table, with a game in hand against UL Bohemians. So, it’s in our hands and that’s where we want it to be.”

Bernard Jackman is adamant Clontarf can avoid relegation, even though they remain second last with just three games left. They are six points adrift of Garryowen, who are third from bottom and have a game in hand. He said: “We have a chance we will be okay. Our late fight-back means we got a losing bonus point, and at least we know we have a team now that wants to fight for it.

“We never gave up. We made some silly errors that cost us dearly against a class outfit like Cork Con. But there were some very good individual performances and, with the same attitude, I believe we can stay up.”

Former Cork Con out-half Peter O’Brien, who emigrates to the USA this week, helped Clontarf to remain very much in contention until 16minutes into the second-half.

But, with the sides level at 8-8, Cork Con secured a well worked try from left-wing Cronan Healy. This was soon followed by another try, this time by scrum-half Duncan Williams,converted by full-back Richard Lane, after some slack defensive work by Clontarf.

Now 20-8 adrift, Clontarf looked down and out but substitute Dufficy inspired a comeback which saw him kick a penalty, go over from a fine individual try, and land the conversion, securing the losing bonus point.

Meanwhile, Blackrock College caused the shock of the weekend with a 25-3 success over the holdersShannon on Saturday.

Blackrock blitzed the in-form Limerick side with three tries through Mick Carroll, John Barretto and Dave Rowan. The only disappointment for them was that they didn’t secure the bonus point with a fourth.

The victory keeps them on the fringe of a play-off spot, whileShannon are now second behind Cork Con. Significantly, St Mary’s have moved to within two points ofShannon following their 39-12demolition of bottom-of-the-table UL Bohemians at Templeville Road.

They scored five tries, with back-row-forward Hugh Hogangetting two of them.

Elsewhere, Garryowen continued their recent good run by accounting for Dolphin 21-9 at Musgrave Park. The key moment came 10 minutes from the end when Dolphin flanker Barry O’Mahony intercepted inside his own half, only to knock on as he attempted to touch down.

At that stage, Garryowen were only 16-9 in front. To compound matters, Garryowen wing Alan Gaughan scored his second try, thereby denying Dolphin a losing bonus point.

Old Belvedere remain on top in Division 1B following an emphatic 31-3, bonus point home success overGalwegians.

Young Munster stay two point behind after an impressive away 27-13 success over Ballymena. Out-half Alan Kingsley was the key figure, contributing a try and four penalties.

UCC are some nine points adrift in third place, despite hammering Ballynahinch 32-10 at the Mardyke, while, in the remaining match, Buccaneers got a much-needed 15-10 victory over Dungannon.