Ballymena top table after bonus-point win

Reigning champions Ballymena top the AIB League Division One following their second bonus point win in the space of seven days, with this afternoon’s 32-6 rout of Galwegians at Crowley Park.

Mark Donato’s side were seven points to the good at the break at 13-6, following an early try from wing forward Michael McComish, who went on to complete his brace in the second-half.

Galwegians’ only reply came from the boot of out-half David Delaney with further scores from McComish and impressive Ulster U21 centre Andrew Trimble, allied to a penalty try on 63 minutes, seeing the visitors to the win.

Out-half Ian Humphreys added three conversions and two penalties to the Antrim side’s tally.

Second Division champions Dolphin managed their first home win in the top flight for six years at a rain-soaked Musgrave Park, holding off a second-half charge from St Mary’s to win out 24-18.

Mike Pettman scored twice inside the first 32 minutes to bring his season’s try count to three in two, and with out-half John O’Mahony in fine form with four penalties and a conversion, Dolphin held a 24-3 interval lead.

Shannon sit joint-second with Carlow after overcoming Dungannon 26-8 at Stevenson Park. The Tyrone side have failed to win in ten games against their southern rivals and tries from wing Ian Dowling and full back John Lacey set them on their way.

Just as they did against Dungannon last weekend, Cork Con relied on a strong first-half to ensure the points against northern opposition at Belfast’s Deramore Park.

Tries from Thomas O’Leary and hooker Des Murray - the second on 28 minutes following a catch and drive at a lineout, ten metres from the Tyrone side’s line - gave Con a 21-12 half-time lead.

Harlequins’ full-back Willem Slabbert knocked over four first half penalties to keep the home side in touching distance, but a third penalty kick from Pat McCarthy, having notched two in the first period, saw David Corkery’s side claim their second win and fourth spot in the league table.

Importantly though, they have yet to win a bonus point and Con will need to put together a performance for the full eighty minutes if they are to challenge this year.

Challenge perhaps like Garryowen who, having failed to regain the Shay Deering trophy last Saturday to St Mary’s, impressively came from behind at Dooradoyle today to beat last season’s runners-up Clontarf.

A first-half try from back row David Moore looked to have set the Dubliners on the road to their second win of the season, with out-half David McAllister adding three penalties and the conversion for a 16-8 half time lead.

A large home crowd seemed to inspire Garryowen and they managed to hold Phil Werahiko’s side scoreless in the second half.

A Kevin Hartigan try twelve minutes in, converted by Mark Connolly added some spice to an enthralling second half, with the kicker notching a second penalty late on to seal a two-point win.