St Mary’s climb to third with narrow win

AFTER two defeats to open their campaign, St Mary’s College are now right up among the contenders for the All-Ireland League Division 1A title.

Saturday’s 21-18 success over Blackrock at Stradbrook was their fourth win on the trot and leaves them in third spot, just two points adrift of second-placed Cork Constitution. But the win was only achieved following a nail-biting climax.

As the game went into the final quarter, St Mary’s held a 21-3 advantage and seemed on their way to a comfortable win. But Blackrock staged a recovery which brought tries from number eight Mick Noone and second-row Des Dillon, one of which was converted by out-half Rob Keogh.