Cork run riot to take win over Carlow

Cork Constitution 54 County Carlow 22, Temple Hill

Rustiness did not stop Cork Constitution from running amok today at Temple Hill, as they breached the County Carlow line seven times in a 54-22 Division One defeat of the midlanders.

Con's first game for three weeks saw them run riot, particularly in the second half, as shaven-headed winger Cronan Healy helped himself to three of their seven tries.

Pat McCarthy - who kicked 19 points in all - opened the scoring with a third minute penalty before Munster youngster Brendan O'Connor got their first converted try - a sweeping move which began on their own 22.

Carlow's Richie Murphy replied with two penalties on 9 and 16 minutes and although returning Munster centre John Kelly then set up Healy's second, Ray Ward's visitors led 16-15 towards the break.

Right wing Ross Jackson nipped in for an intercept try for Carlow on 31 minutes, but even though Murphy converted and added a penalty, Con hit back for 18-16 with McCarthy's second penalty.

Fly-half Murphy hit Carlow's sole scores on the restart - two penalties - as first hooker Andy Hill, then Healy, Shane O'Connor, Brendan O'Connor and Healy again - notching his hat-trick on 81 minutes - touched down in only Con's second win in five games.

Scorers:

Cork: Tries: Brendan O’Connor 2, Cronan Healy 3, Shane O’Connor, Andy Hill; Cons: Pat McCarthy 5; Pens: McCarthy 3

Carlow: Try: Ross Jackson; Con: Richie Murphy; Pens: Murphy 5

HT: Cork 18 Carlow 16