Shannon's luckless run continues

Ulster Bank League Division 1A

SHANNON 14 CLONTARF 20

Bottom side Shannon fell to their eighth defeat in nine Ulster Bank League games as Clontarf took the spoils at Coonagh.

Boosted by their recent improved displays, it looked as if Shannon's revival might continue when they went 9-3 ahead midway through the first half.

Place-kicking scrum half Rob Guerin put them in front with an early penalty and Leinster's Noel Reid, who lined out at full-back, levelled for 'Tarf.

But indiscipline in the heavy conditions gave Guerin two more shots at the posts which he gratefully accepted.

The match took a turn in Clontarf's favour though when Shannon openside flanker John Shine was yellow carded. While he was off, Clontarf winger Michael McGrath swept through for the first try of the year at this level at Coonagh.

Reid converted and he also added the extras to McGrath's second touchdown as he took his tally for the league campaign to five tries.

Shannon kept in contention thanks to a try before the break from lock Emmet McLoughlin, which left the Limerick men just 17-14 in arrears.

However, the only score of a turgid second half was a Clontarf penalty from Reid as the north Dubliners, who remain in fifth place, claimed their first league win of 2013.

Scorers:

Shannon: Try: Emmet McLoughlin; Pens: Rob Guerin 3

Clontarf: Tries: Michael McGrath 2; Cons: Noel Reid 2; Pens: Noel Reid 2