Blackrock move up the table

Lansdowne 8 Blackrock 10

Blackrock are up to seventh in the AIB League Division One following a 76th minute conversion from out-half Conor Kilroy, as they came from behind to win out 10-8 against second-from-bottom Lansdowne.

A try by Lansdowne wing Karl Becker 26 minutes into the second half had given the home side an 8-3 lead and looked like paving the way for only their second win of the season, but following a succession of penalties inside the Lansdowne 22, ‘Rock second row Dave Gannon mauled over for his third try of the campaign to level matters at 8-8.

Kilroy added the pressure conversion for his side’s third away win from four attempts this season to end a poor recent run of form which has seen ‘Rock go three games without a win.

Rock had a decent record against Dublin clubs this season with wins over St Mary’s (23-18) and Clontarf (13-10) but it was Lansdowne scrum half Shane Whelan who kicked the home side in front after 13 minutes with a right-sided penalty.

That proved to be the first half’s only score as a swirling wind play havoc with open play.

The home side did maul over the Blackrock line with five minutes remaining but whether the ball was grounded was inconclusive with prop Enda Bohan in close attendance.

Club top scorer Kilroy hit over his eighteenth penalty of the campaign on 56 minutes to level the game before Becker managed to touch down in the left corner following good work by Lansdowne pack.

A missed conversion by Whelan kept Blackrock in the hunt and it proved to be crucial as Gannon and Kilroy scored at the death for ‘Rock’s fourth win of the season.

Lansdowne can console themselves with their third bonus point.

Scorers: Lansdowne: Try: Karl Becker; Pen: Shane Whelan

Blackrock: Try: David Gannon; Con: Conor Kilroy; Pen: Conor Kilroy