Cool head from Holland as Cork Con maintain title pressure

Garryowen 18 Cork Constitution 21

Johnny Holland drilled over the penalty that split the sides at Dooradoyle as Cork Constitution overcame second-placed Garryowen.

The Munster prospect scored all of Cork Con’s points - converting seven penalties in all - to keep them well in the title hunt in fourth place.

Garryowen lifted their performance from their encounter with leaders Lansdowne last weekend but indiscipline cost them dearly this time.

A losing bonus point was all the Light Blues had to show their efforts, a disappointing return given the try-scoring chances that they spurned.

The visitors led 15-13 at the interval thanks to five penalties from young out-half Holland.

A terrific run and offload from Ronan O’Mahony set up centre Conan Doyle for the lone try of the first half. Connacht’s Matthew Jarvis converted it and kicked two penalties.

Elusive full-back O’Mahony nabbed a second Garryowen try, with winger Lorcan Bourke involved in the build-up, but Holland’s seventh successful penalty after 68 minutes gave Constitution the points.

Scorers:

Garryowen: Tries: Conan Doyle, Ronan O’Mahony; Con: Matthew Jarvis; Pens: Matthew Jarvis 2

Cork Constitution: Pens: Johnny Holland 7