Shannon all-but squander lead

Shannon 25 Dublin University 18, Thomond Park

Champions Shannon almost let an 18-point half time lead slip at Thomond Park, as plucky Dublin University failed to be over-awed in Limerick.

The students, who opened the tryscoring through Ireland Under-21 Jamie Heaslip, scored the only points in the second half as scrum-half Matt D'Arcy burrowed over for a converted score on the hour and fly half Keelan McGowan bagged two late penalties for a deserved bonus point.

McGowan's line-kicking had Shannon in all sorts of trouble after the break, but credit to Mick Galwey's men, they came back from the early concession of Heaslip's barge over try.

Hooker Nigel Conroy, deputising for Munster's Jerry Flannery, scored his second try in two games for a quick reply and Shannon were suddenly 25-7 to the good as elusive centre Brian Tuohy played havoc with the Trinity rearguard for two well-taken tries.

Number 10 David Delaney converted both efforts, and added two penalties for a healthy lead.

And although Tony Smeeth's visitors got back in contention late on, the damage was already done in Shannon's fifth win from five against visiting Leinster clubs on their home patch.

Scorers:

Shannon: Tries: Nigel Conroy, Brian Tuohy 2; Cons: David Delaney 2; Pens: Delaney 2

DU: Tries: Jamie Heaslip, Matt D’Arcy; Cons: Keelan McGowan 2; Pens: McGowan 2

HT: Shannon 25 Dublin Uni 7