Lansdowne continue title march

Ulster Bank League Div 1A: Cork Constitution 14 Lansdowne 34

Lansdowne’s ominous march towards the Ulster Bank League title continued at Temple Hill as they dispatched heavyweights Cork Constitution.

Mike Ruddock’s side look to have silverware well within their grasp, with this afternoon’s bonus point win widening their lead at the top of the table to 12 points with six rounds remaining.

Cork Constitution were made to pay for a nightmare first half display during which they leaked 24 unanswered points.

The visitors made a lively with Craig Ronaldson landing a sixth minute penalty from 40 metres out.

By the 33rd minute they had registered two converted tries. A smashing break from Mike Ross’ cousin Clive set up young winger Foster Horan for the opener.

A lengthy injury stoppage failed to halt Lansdowne’s progress as number 8 Ron Boucher touched down following a sustained period of pressure.

Constitution were dealt a sucker punch on the stroke of half-time as out-half Ronaldson sliced through for a third converted try.

Ronaldson is the division’s top scorer - he has amassed 127 points before today’s encounter - and the one-way traffic continued early in the second half.

A penalty from Ronaldson was added to by Tadhg Beirne’s 47th-minute try which confirmed the bonus point for the ruthless Dubliners.

After that, Cork Con only really had pride to play for. They had struggled to gain a platform against Lansdowne’s hulking pack, but they did muster up two converted tries.

Scrum half Gerry Hurley, who maintained a high work-rate throughout, scored the first and flanker Cathal O’Flaherty followed him over the try-line right at the death.

Scorers: Cork Constitution: Tries: Gerry Hurley, Cathal O’Flaherty; Cons: Johnny Holland 2

Lansdowne: Tries: Foster Horan, Ron Boucher, Craig Ronaldson, Tadhg Beirne; Cons: Craig Ronaldson 4; Pens: Craig Ronaldson 2