Three tries steer Blackrock past Old Belvedere

Old Belvedere 17 Blackrock College 22

Blackrock College continued their impressive scoring form as a three-try salvo helped them beat Old Belvedere in a well-contested encounter at Anglesea Road today.

Leinster's Gary Brown lent his club side a sizeable hand by finishing off the first try, after a fine attack which began on the halfway line.

Ian Madigan, the former Ireland U-20 out-half, slotted in at scrum half for the visitors and kicked a conversion and penalty in the opening half to help 'Rock to a 10-3 interval lead.

His opposite number Ruairi Cushion managed to open Belvedere's account with a penalty on the cusp of half-time but after an Eamonn Fitzgerald penalty miss, Blackrock regained control and their winger Alan Henry sliced over for a try.

Jonathan Slattery replied with a seven-pointer for Belvo but a 62nd-minute touchdown from centre Kyle Tonetti, converted by Madigan, put Blackrock 22-10 ahead and effectively out of sight.

To their credit, Belvedere battled back to gain a losing bonus point when Richie Leyden muscled his way over in the 79th minute, with the help of fellow back rower Leo Auva'a.

Scorers:

Old Belvedere: Tries: Jonathan Slattery, Richie Leyden; Cons: Ruairi Cushion 2; Pen: Ruairi Cushion

Blackrock College: Tries: Gary Brown, Alan Henry, Kyle Tonetti; Cons: Ian Madigan 2; Pen: Ian Madigan