'Rock retain top-flight status

AIB LEAGUE DIVISION 1A:

Blackrock College 36 UL Bohemians 18, Stradbrook

Blackrock College secured their place in AIB League Division 1A for next season by overwhelming relegated UL Bohemians at Stradbrook.

Young centre Dave Moloney scored a try in each half for a valiant Bohs side, but Blackrock were a class apart with the likes of Andrew Conway and Shane Monahan running amuck when given the space.

It was a tight enough first half with out-halves Ian Madigan and Fergal Lawlor trying to find field position for their side, and the likes of Conway and Bohs winger Danny Riordan looking threatening out wide.

There was little to choose between the packs, although number 8 Mick Carroll impressed for ‘Rock and promising lock Dave Foley and skipper John Ed O’Connor stood out for the visitors.

But ‘Rock’s ability to carve out opportunity after opportunity – and take them most importantly – saw them canter clear in the second period, as tries from Conway, centre Kyle Tonetti, Monahan and replacement front rower Sean Byrne made it back-to-back wins for Barry Gibney’s men.

Scorers: Blackrock College: Tries: Kyle Tonetti 2, Andrew Conway, Shane Monahan, Sean Byrne; Cons: Ian Madigan 3, Darragh Fitzpatrick; Pen: Darragh Fitzpatrick

UL Bohemians: Tries: Dave Moloney 2; Con: Fergal Lawlor; Pens: Fergal Lawlor 2

HT: Blackrock College 10 UL Bohemians 8