St Mary's dish out drubbing to Shannon

DIVISION 1A: St Mary's College 53 Shannon 0

St. Mary’s College became the first team to score over 50 points against Shannon in an All-Ireland League match as they demolished the Limerick giants at Templeville Road.

When you consider that St. Mary’s had failed to score a try in either of their previous Division 1A games this season, this eight-try victory was some performance from Ciaran Potts’ side.

Ireland Under-20 winger Darren Hudson dominated the scoring with four tries, the best of them coming in the second half as Ian McKinley’s clever pass and an overhead flick from Stephen Grissing sent Hudson scurrying over.

The Dubliners’ advantage in the back-line was key throughout, with a rudderless Shannon struggling to cope with the home side’s pace and angles of running.

Out-half Gareth Quinn McDonogh, Shannon’s hero against Garryowen recently, had precious few chances and his opposite number, Australian backs coach Shaun McCarthy, dictated the play.

The record books were being checked by half-time as Shannon turned around with a 34-0 deficit. David O’Donovan had two try-scoring chances out wide for the visitors, but the home defence stood firm.

The Ruddock brothers, Ciaran and Rhys, were part of a strong pack effort from St. Mary’s, providing the platform for the backs to strike. Paddy Butler and David Quinlan were the best of the Shannon forwards.

Scorers: St. Mary’s College: Tries: Darren Hudson 4, David Campbell, Rob Sweeney, Hugh Hogan, Ronan Doherty; Cons: Shaun McCarthy 3, Ian McKinley 2; Pen: Shaun McCarthy