Champions Shannon get Blackrock revenge

Blackrock College 20 Shannon 40

In what was a repeat of last season's final, Shannon began their defence of the AIB Cup title with a stylish win over Blackrock College.

Shannon took early control of this Stradbrook tie thanks to in-form out-half Tadhg Bennett.

He kicked two penalties and added a conversion to tries from Marcus O'Driscoll and Fionn McLoughlin as the visitors claimed an 18-6 half-time lead.

'Rock rallied with two converted tries from centre Kyle Tonetti, however touchdowns from Andrew Finn, Bennett and Richie Mullane saw Shannon gave revenge for their recent 41-27 league defeat at this venue.

Scorers:

Blackrock College: Tries: Kyle Tonetti 2; Cons: Darragh Fitzpatrick 2; Pens: Ian Madigan 2

Shannon: Tries: Marcus O'Driscoll, Fionn McLoughlin, Andrew Finn, Tadhg Bennett, Richie Mullane; Cons: Tadhg Bennett 3; Pens: Tadhg Bennett 3