A romp for Lansdowne as Con surrender crown easily

Cork Constitution 12 Lansdowne 32: Cork Constitution relinquished their Bateman Cup title in tame fashion at Temple Hill on Saturday when Lansdowne produced a stunning second-half display of poise and power to take the spoils for the first time in the modern era.

After a competitive first half, Mike Ruddock’s charges pulled away to secure an easier victory than expected; they grabbed three tries in the third quarter, the last an interception as Con threw everything at them in a bid to save the game, effectively ended this as a contest and secured Lansdowne their first Bateman Cup since 1931.

After five years in control of this tournament, last year’s double All-Ireland champions are now left to seek redemption with an Ulster Bank League semi-final outing away to Terenure and the possibility of meeting Lansdowne, who play Garryowen in the penultimate stage, again in the final.