Lansdowne suffer five-try defeat to Garryowen

Garryowen 38 Lansdowne 11

Garryowen turned on the style in the ideal conditions and scored five tries against a greatly understrength Lansdowne in Ulster Bank League Division 1A.

This win also boosts Garryowen's Limerick rivals, Young Munster, who remain prime contenders for honours following their dramatic win against Shannon last night.

Captain Mark Melbourne sent Garryowen on their way to victory when he notched the first of the five tries after nine minutes which Declan Cusack converted.

When Garryowen roamed offside four minutes later they were punished by Lansdowne scrum half Andrew Geraghty who landed the penalty.

Cusack and Geraghty exchanged penalties before Lansdowne hit the front for the first and only time. Matt Healy got in for the try which Geraghty was unable to convert.

Garryowen restored their lead thanks to a delightful try by Ronan O'Mahony who rounded off a fine three-quarters move. Again Cusack converted.

Garryowen's indiscipline could have been costly but twice in quick succession Geraghty missed penalties.

Just on half-time the influential Melbourne had to retire with a knee injury and he was replaced by Frank McKenna who almost got in for an early second half try.

Midway through the second period, Paul Neville charged forward from the back of a maul and offloaded to Neil Cronin, brother of Leinster and Ireland hooker Sean, who scored a try which Cusack again converted.

Neville was then sin-binned for a high tackle on Alan Matthews who had to retire injured with the scoreline at 24-11.

The Light Blues finished in superb manner with two late tries. Dave Sherry won a lineout and the ball was moved wide for Cusack to touch down and he also converted.

In the fifth minute of added time Lorcan Bourke completed a great day for the home side with a try which was added to by Fergal Lawlor's successful conversion.

Scorers:

Garryowen: Tries: Mark Melbourne, Neil Cronin, Declan Cusack, Ronan O'Mahony, Lorcan Bourke; Cons: Fergal Lawlor, Declan Cusack; Pens: Declan Cusack 3

Lansdowne: Try: Matt Healy; Pens: Andrew Geraghty 2

HT: Garryowen 17 Lansdowne 11