Shannon too hot to handle in Munster derby

Shannon 45 Cork Con 26

Scorers: Shannon: Tries: Niall Ronan, Eric Moloney 2, James Loxton, John Shine, David O’Donovan; Cons: Rob Guerin 6; Pen: Tadhg Bennett

Cork Constitution: Tries: Conor Desmond, Cronan Healy 3; Cons: Gerry Hurley 3

Shannon lifted themselves off the bottom of the Division 1A table with a storming bonus point win over Cork Constitution at Coonagh.

Munster flanker Niall Ronan touched down for the second week running to help the Limerick men leapfrog over UL Bohemians and Old Belvedere in their battle to avoid relegation from the Ulster Bank League's top flight.

Not even the most dedicated of Shannon supporters could have anticipated this massive victory as the bottom club turned on the style with a superb performance when whipping Constitution in glorious conditions.

No doubt Shannon would hope that the remainder of their fixtures are played in such conditions as they swept into a 14-0 lead inside as many minutes.

Lively full-back James Loxton set the try fest in motion and Ronan continued his progress back to full fitness with his second try in as many matches. Rob Guerin converted both tries.

But Cork Con do not roll over too easily and they hit back with a try from veteran winger Cronan Healy which team captain Gerry Hurley converted.

It was tied at 14-14 thanks to a second try by centre Conor Desmond with Hurley again adding the points.

But Shannon have rediscovered their try-scoring touch in recent weeks and Eric Moloney notching their third try of the encounter with Guerin again converted.

A penalty by Tadhg Bennett had the Limerick side 24-14 clear at the interval, but the Leesiders stay in touch during a closely-fought third quarter.

Brian Walsh half-time words worked a treat as two minutes into the second half, Healy sniped through for his second try which cut the gap to just five points.

Shannon though were clinical when chances presented themselves and the influential Moloney secured the bonus point by completing his brace.

David O'Donovan soon got in on the try-scoring act as Shannon pressurised the visitors' lineout and a further effort from back rower John Shine made it six tries for the hosts. Guerin converted both for a 12-point personal haul.

Cork Con gained some late consolation as they held a now rampant Shannon at bay and sprung Healy through for a hat-trick score, but there was no denying Shannon who were comprehensive winners on the day.