Shannon's purple patch continues

Ulster Bank League Div 1A: Shannon 28 Old Belvedere 17

Shannon claimed their third win in five league games to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation from Division 1A this season.

When Shannon romped into a 17-0 half-time lead at Thomond Park, they looked to be in cruise control and on their way to their best victory of what has been a pretty poor campaign.

They welcomed back fit-again Munster flanker Niall Ronan who got a terrific late try to deny a spirited Old Belvedere even a losing bonus point.

It was a tough finish for the Dublin 4 club who got no reward for battling back to make it 17-all.

They might have increased the mounting Shannon troubles but goal-kicking winger Josh Glynn was wide with a penalty effort. After that let-off Shannon turned on the style in an amazing final six minutes.

Tadhg Bennett dropped a goal to restore Shannon's lead and then his half-back partner Rob Guerin landed a penalty.

Ronan’s touchdown was the final score of an exciting duel which leaves bottom side Shannon just four points behind eighth-placed ‘Belvo.

Guerin popped over a penalty to put Shannon in front after eight minutes and he was inches wide with another effort.

A prop from each side was sin-binned during which period Shannon had their first try when Connacht-capped full-back James Loxton finished off a fine attacking move.

Bennett converted to make it 10-0 and when a second Belvedere forward was binned the visitors had only 13 players on duty for a brief few minutes.

During that time, Shannon’s robust inside centre Richie Mullane raced over and Bennett's conversion made it 17-0. If Shannon thought they were in for a stroll around Thomond Park in the second half, Old Belvedere had other ideas.

Their number 8 and captain Jonathan Slattery and lock Josh Eden-Whaitiri both had close-in tries which Glynn converted. He also kicked a penalty and suddenly it was all-square.

But Shannon have always been known for their spirit and they finished powerfully for a precious victory which keeps their heads above water in a fascinating relegation battle.

Scorers: Shannon: Tries: James Loxton, Richie Mullane, Niall Ronan; Cons: Tadhg Bennett 2; Pens: Rob Guerin, Tadhg Bennett; Drop: Tadhg Bennett

Old Belvedere: Tries: Josh Eden-Whaitiri, Jonathan Slattery; Cons: Josh Glynn 2; Pen: Josh Glynn