Opening wins for Blackrock and Ballymena

AIL Round-Up : Blackrock College and Ballymena both recorded wins on the opening day of the new AIB All-Ireland League today.

Blackrock staged a most unlikely 41-27 win over Shannon who went into the game as strong favourites at Stradbrook.

Winger Shane Monahan was in top form as he went over for a hat-trick of tries. That said, the home side didn't have it all their own way for the Limerick visitors went into the break 22-20 ahead with the wind at their backs in the first period.

Tadgh Bennett was Shannon's primary source as he kicked 14 points with the boot in the first half.

The game was evenly balanced for long periods and eventually both sides were level at 27-27 with tries from Simon Morrissey and Richie Mullane.

However, Monahan was the difference and two more tries from him was the telling difference in the end.

At Eaton Park Ballymena had too much for Young Munster as they ran out 21-10 winners.

In difficult wet conditions the home side went over twice compared to Munster's one try.

Tommy Seymour scored Ballymena's first try to ensure they went into the break 11-3 ahead.

Young Munster captain Derek Corcoran reduced the gap to one point but Ian Whitten scored a crucial try for Ballymena.

Ian Humphreys also kicked 11 points with the boot.

Today's AIL Results

Division One
Ballymena 21-10 Young Munster
Blackrock College 41-27 Shannon 
Buccaneers 29-19 Dolphin
Clontarf 14-13 Garryowen
Cork Constitution 43-19 Terenure College
Dungannon 10-27 St Mary's College
Old Belvedere 30-14 UCD 
UL Bohemians 14-6 Galwegians

Division Two
Ballynahinch 11-6 DLSP
Belfast Harlequins 10-8 Bective Rangers  
Dublin University 13-3 Clonakilty 
Highfield 13-3 Thomond
Instonians 12-35 Bruff  
Lansdowne 19-19 UCD 
Malone 16-10 Greystones
Old Crescent 6-7 Wanderers

Division Three
Banbridge 10-17 Rainey OB
Barnhall 12-15 Suttonians
Co Carlow 42-0 Waterpark
Connemara 11-19 Sunday's Well
Corinthians 10-3 Nenagh Ormond
Midleton 24-3 Ards  
Naas 16-22 Queen's University  
Portadown 13-8 Old Wesley