Cork Con make tries count

Shannon 9 Cork Constitution 19

Hosts Shannon were outscored by three tries to none as they lost out to fellow Ulster Bank League heavyweights Cork Constitution this afternoon.

The Limerick side, aiming for their first win in four Division 1A games, were very much in contention until they ran out of steam in the final quarter.

Cork Con were much more clinical in attack and took their chances when they came, with backs Cathal Quinn, Sean Scanlon and Johnny Holland running in tries.

Tadhg Bennett kicked the first of his three penalties for Shannon inside three minutes, and the hosts had some standout performers early on in Alan Bennie and Dan Heffernan.

However, handling errors in the backs ruined some promising positions for Shannon and a try from winger Quinn had Constitution 5-3 in front at the break after good work from Scanlon.

Two penalties from Bennett had Stephen Keogh’s men back ahead at 9-5, the first after a lineout steal from Fergal Walsh and the second from a surging run from Richie Mullane.

The platform seemed to be there, but Cork Con struck back for a 68th minute try from Scanlon who took advantage of a missed tackle out wide.

Gerry Hurley converted and added the extras to Holland’s effort, three minutes from time, when Shannon were caught for numbers.

Indeed, Constitution could have nabbed a late bonus point but they were called back for a forward pass, and had done enough to gain revenge for a 14-10 defeat at Temple Hill back in October.

Scorers:

Shannon: Pens: Tadhg Bennett 3

Cork Constitution: Tries: Cathal Quinn, Sean Scanlon, Johnny Holland; Cons: Gerry Hurley 2