Huge win for Shannon

Shannon 21 Blackrock College 3, Coonagh

Shannon are still not clear of the threat of relegation in Ulster Bank League Division 1A, but this was a huge win for them at Coonagh against fellow strugglers Blackrock College.

In an error-strewn affair, both sides missed good scoring chances and the nerves were obvious so great was the risk of defeat.

Shannon's player-coach Stephen Keogh looked to have got in for a fourth minute try but instead his side were awarded a scrum. They won possession and it brought them the first of their two tries.

Number 8 David Quinlan picked up at the base, linked with Rob Guerin who passed to Richie Mullane who, in turn, sent winger Conor Cunnane over in the corner.

The nearest 'Rock came to a score in the first half was a penalty effort by centre Rob Keogh which dropped short of the posts.

Shannon had to wait until the 60th minute for their next score. They added a penalty from out-half Tadhg Bennett who popped over another one, two minutes later, from 35 metres and out to the right.

Bennett missed an easy penalty chance before Blackrock were punished for a scrum infringement and Bennett pushed the scoreline out to 14-3.

All that was left for Blackrock was to fight for a losing bonus point but their efforts came to nothing. Two minutes into stoppage time, scrum half Guerin got in for a try which Bennett again converted to give Shannon their most significant win of what has been a disappointing season for them.

Scorers: Shannon: Tries: Conor Cunnane, Rob Guerin; Con: Tadhg Bennett; Pens: Tadhg Bennett 3

Blackrock College: Pen: David Rowan

HT: Shannon 5 Blackrock College 0