Cork Con go top after victory over sorry Shannon

CORK CONSTITUTION 17 SHANNON 0

Cork Constitution took advantage of Old Belvedere’s slip-up at home to Young Munster, as the Leesiders moved back to the top of Division 1A.

The heavyweight Ulster Bank League clash was dominated by Shannon for long stretches, but Cork Con’s disciplined defence was able to frustrate the visitors.

Brian Walsh’s men defended the clubhouse end at Temple Hill in the first half and hit the front after just five minutes. A back row move released flanker Brendan Cuttriss for a try which scrum half Gerry Hurley converted.

Munster and Ireland prop Marcus Horan tried to inspire the Shannon pack and they had the hosts under pressure coming up to half-time.

But players like Frank Cogan and Aidan Foley really stepped up to the mark for the defending champions.

Hurley added three more points to Cork Con’s tally with a penalty in the 65th minute, and the result was made safe by a further try from the Munster-contracted Ivan Dineen.

Again, it came against the run of play. In a rare Constitution break in the final quarter, the young centre intercepted a pass and ran in under the posts, allowing Hurley a simple tap-over for the conversion.

Scorers:

Cork Constitution: Tries: Brendan Cuttriss, Ivan Dineen; Cons: Gerry Hurley 2; Pen: Ivan Dineen

Shannon: -

HT: Cork Constitution 7 Shannon 0