Lansdowne overcome St Mary's

Lansdowne 29 St Mary’s 10

Lansdowne scored three tries in just their second win from ten attempts this season, against a poor St Mary’s side, as scores from wings Karl Becker and Fiachra Baynes helped them end a run of six losses and a draw.

Right flyer Becker touched down after 25 minutes for the home side’s only try of the first half, converted by out-half Andy Tallon. He shared kicking duties with the impressive scrum half Shane Whelan on a windy back pitch and the former kicked two penalties for a 13-7 half-time lead for Lansdowne.

Mary’s number 8 tyro Willie Duggan, son of the former Irish international, had scored five minutes before the break when the Saints mauled over after a concerted 20-yard drive, but out-half Barry Lynn’s conversion and second half penalty were to be the visitors’ sole scores. Lansdowne flanker Jim O’Donovan pounced on a loose ball to claim his first league try late on and a win that sees Mary’s downed into the bottom two.

Scorers: Lansdowne: Tries: Karl Becker, Jim O’Donovan, Fiachra Baynes; Con: Andy Tallon; Pen: Andy Tallon 2, Shane Whelan 2

Mary’s: Try: Willie Duggan; Con: Barry Lynn; Pen: Barry Lynn