‘Rock relegated after loss to Garryowen

Blackrock College 27 Garryowen33

Despite running in five tries today Blackrock College will playing Division 1B rugby next season.

‘Rock were hoping to avoid relegation with a bonus point win, but Garryowen held on to give themselves a winning lead-in to next week’s Ulster Bank Bateman Cup final.

Adam O’Loughlin scored a try to add to three Fergal Lawlor penalties as the Limerick men took a 14-10 lead into the break at Stradbrook.

The hosts never gave up and scored some tremendous tries with their backs and forwards combining to telling effect.

Peter McCague, Marcus Walsh, the talismanic Des Dillon, Andrew Letham and Ian Byrne all crossed the Garryowen whitewash during this free-scoring, action-packed encounter.

But Garryowen did just enough to deserve the victory, with tries from pack powerhouses Paul Neville and Kieran O’Gorman moving them 28-15 ahead at a crucial stage in the game.

A final try from Alan Gaughan gave the visitors enough of an advantage to see out the result, despite some gritty play from ‘Rock in the final minutes.

Scorers:

Blackrock College: Tries: Peter McCague, Marcus Walsh, Des Dillon, Andrew Letham, Ian Byrne; Con: Darragh Fitzpatrick

Garryowen: Tries: Adam O’Loughlin, Kieran O’Gorman, Paul Neville, Alan Gaughan; Cons: Fergal Lawlor 2; Pens: Fergal Lawlor 3