Blackrock win battle of strugglers

County Carlow 15 Blackrock College 18

Bottom side County Carlow’s long search for an AIB League win continued at Oak Park this afternoon as they were beaten 18-15 by fellow strugglers Blackrock College.

The midlanders slumped to their eleventh straight defeat as left winger Ken Copeland’s converted try on 73 minutes proved the deciding score.

‘Rock’s victory – their first one away from home since they beat Galwegians out west in October – moves them up to thirteenth.

Dave Dillon’s side did well to come back from 10-3 down to steal the points with number eight Eddie Manawaiti notably coming back from a sin-binning to score ‘Rock’s other try for 15-11.

Having been locked level at 3-3 after the first 40 minutes, a converted try from Carlow scrum half Richard Jones split the sides early in the second half.

McGowan kicked his second penalty before Carlow centre Thomas Bonnefoy waltzed over for a 15-6 lead and a home win had looked on the cards.

Scorers:

Carlow: Tries: Richard Jones, Thomas Bonnefoy; Con: Greg Jacob; Pen: Jacob

Blackrock: Tries: Eddie Manawaiti, Ken Copeland; Con: Keelan McGowan; Pens: McGowan 2