Derby triumph for Shannon

UL Bohemians 11 Shannon 17

Munster trio Jerry Flannery, Marcus Horan and Donnacha Ryan all featured as Shannon made it three wins in-a-row in AIB League Division 1A with a derby triumph over UL Bohemians.

Back at Thomond Park, the scene of last night's Heineken Cup victory over Northampton Saints, Horan and Ryan played the entire 80 minutes for Shannon, while hooker Flannery, who has been sidelined with an Achilles problem, made his comeback with a strong 40-minute effort before being replaced at half-time.

Number 10 Tadhg Bennett was the match-winning hero for Shannon who were completing a league double over UL Bohs, after their 38-19 win in October.

Bennett kicked two penalties inside the opening 20 minutes to set Colm Tucker's side on the way, but a try from centre Daniel Riordan had the hosts back in contention.

Bohs had to contend with the early loss of influential back rower Kieran Essex, who suffered an arm injury after three minutes' player and was replaced by John Ed O'Connor.

Leading 6-5 at half-time, Shannon went further in front thanks to a try from centre Fionn McLoughlin, but a penalty and drop goal from UL out-half Fergal Lawlor tied up the game at 11-11.

However, a subsequent penalty and drop goal from the surefooted Bennett helped Shannon put the disappointment of the failure of their appeal against a €25,000 IRFU fine behind them for the time being.

Scorers: UL Bohemians: Try: Daniel Riordan; Pen: Fergal Lawlor; Drop: Fergal Lawlor

Shannon: Try: Fionn McLoughlin; Pens: Tadhg Bennett 3; Drop: Tadhg Bennett