Shannon slip into second

Shannon 34 Galwegians 9

(HT: Shannon 20 Galwegians 9)

Two first-half tries from Munster replacement back row Colm McMahon sent Shannon on their way to a handsome bonus-point 34-9 victory over bottom side Galwegians at Thomond Park.

The Limerick side move up a place in the table to second, and they opened up early with McMahon crossing for his first inside the first quarter, converted by Tom Cregan.

The flanker added his second soon after for Cregan to put Shannon in a commanding 20-9 half-time lead.

Galwegians out-half David Delaney struck three penalties in the opening half to Cregan's two.

Into the second half, and it was more blue and black domination with James Blaney powering over following good initial incisions by Fiach O'Loughlin and captain Tom Hayes.

That score put the game beyond the Galway side, although scrum-half James Heaslip never wilted in his effort.

Scorers: Shannon: Tries: McMahon 2, Blaney; Con: Cregan 2; Pen: Cregan 5

Galwegians: Pen: Delaney 3