AIL round-up: Clontarf inflicted a first defeat of the season on All-Ireland League champions Shannon this afternoon, handing the initiative in the title race to Limerick rivals Garryowen.
Clontarf, still well in the hunt for a semi-final berth, were excellent value for the points, taking an early lead that they subsequently fought hard to maintain. The match finished 32-18.
Garryowen, who remain second, will move top of the standings if they can overcome the robust challenge of fourth-place Cork Con tomorrow afternoon.
Elsewhere, Belfast Harlequins were beaten 17-6 by Dungannon, Ballymena enjoyed a narrow 14-10 win over UCD while Galwegians gave themselves some breathing space with a 36-23 defeat of fellow strugglers Dublin University.
Carlow, bottom of the Division One standings, slumped to a 39-13 loss at the hands of Buccaneers while Lansdowne turned in the performance of the day, hammering Blackrock to the tune of 71-15.
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