Shannon maintain winning form

Shannon 26 Blackrock College 7

Anthony Foley made a rare appearance for Shannon as the Limerick men accounted for Blackrock College at Coonagh.

Munster favourite Foley came on as a second half replacement as the former champions maintained their 100% start to the league campaign.

Blackrock were only 10-7 behind at half-time as winger Shane Monahan (29 minutes) replied to a fifth-minute try from Shannon centre Joe Manuel.

But Shannon were far more clinical and tries from number 8 and captain David Quinlan and winger Stephen Kelly sealed the issue.

Shannon made it eight league wins on the trot - five of them coming since the start of the current season - with another Munster player, this time it was Foley, having a cameo.

A month ago it was Munster prop Marcus Horan who was assisting Mick Galwey's side.

Just like Horan, Foley, who incredibly played for Shannon against Blackrock back in January 1995, strengthened the Shannon scrum considerably on his introduction and had a decent run-out after sitting on the bench for Munster's loss to Leinster last night.

Blackrock, winners over Dungannon and Lansdowne recently, ventured south with a side full of youth and experience but they fell behind early on when Manuel, a replacement for John Clogan, blazed over after a turnover and a smashing 30-metre break by Andrew Finn.

Andrew Thompson converted and 'Rock missed two successive penalty chances after 7 and 9 minutes as usually reliable full-back Fionn Carr was off target.

The Dubliners got back on terms though when former Ireland Under-20 flyer Monahan skipped past two tacklers and jinked his way over for a lovely try which Carr converted.

A Thompson penalty, struck late in the half, was the difference between the sides at the interval but Shannon, bolstered by Foley's inclusion, took control in the second period.

Thompson knocked over his second penalty before Quinlan notched his try. Scrum half Fiach O'Loughlin helped set up the score by sending an excellent kick into the right corner. Shannon came up with lineout possession and Quinlan was quickly mauled over the whitewash.

Thompson landed another penalty in the 57th-minute but 'Rock had a decent spell of possession and territory in the final quarter and should have registered at least another try.

Shannon had taken their foot off the pedal but having soaked up that pressure, they launched an 80th-minute counter attack which led to the speedy Kelly cutting through for his try.

Scorers:

Shannon: Tries: Joe Manuel, David Quinlan, Stephen Kelly; Con: Andrew Thompson; Pens: Andrew Thompson 3 Blackrock College: Try: Shane Monahan; Con: Fionn Carr