Ballymena run perishes on Rock

Ballymena - 8 Blackrock - 13 The most notable result of the All-Ireland league on Saturday was Blackrock College's hard-fought 13-8 victory in Ballymena. It is the first time the defending champions have been beaten in Eaton Park since January 2002.

Blackrock half-backs Ross Molloy and Conor Kilroy had a huge say in affairs as they controlled the game in very difficult conditions. Just before half-time, Molloy crossed the home side's line, after he blocked down an Ian Humphreys chip, to cancel out Michael McComish's earlier effort. Kilroy contributed two penalties and a superb conversion from the touchline.

"To be honest I was very impressed with my team's performance," said Blackrock coach Steven McIvor. "But in fairness we went up there thinking we could beat them. Ross Molloy and Conor Kilroy controlled the game well but our pack was excellent, especially considering they were giving away almost a stone a man."

Results elsewhere still leave the south Dublin club in mid-table but they will have a great opportunity to move up when they entertain Buccaneers, who lie four places and two points above them, next Saturday.

Cork Constitution and Shannon continued to stretch their legs at the top as they both recorded resounding home victories over Garryowen and the crisis-ridden Galwegians, respectively. Inspired by their captain Ultan O'Callaghan, big brother of World Cup lock Donncha, Cork Con ran in four tries to pick up the bonus point, while Shannon had no difficulties consigning Galwegians to their fifth straight defeat of the campaign.

UCD did a fine job in overturning Lansdowne on the main pitch at headquarters, with winger Stuart McCarron running in a hat-trick of tries. Lansdowne fielded a strong outfit which included former Leinster captain Liam Toland and current contracted players Matt Leek and Niall Ronan, but further tries from Neil Coughlan and Ken Kennedy earned the students a valuable bonus point.

Elsewhere, Buccaneers made light work of Dolphin, running out 47-16 winners, while Dungannon edged Belfast Harlequins, 21-18, in the all-Ulster affair at Stevenson Park.