Big three move into play-off contention

All-Ireland League: WITH ALL-IRELAND league Division One games outside of Munster postponed due to conditions underfoot, the traditional big three made notable strides towards the play-off positions.

Defending champions Cork Constitution registered six tries in their comprehensive dismissal of Buccaneers to move top of the league. Contributions from Munster squad members Denis Hurley, Denis Fogarty and Billy Holland undoubtedly helping them move ahead of Blackrock on points difference (the sides are still to meet at Stradbrook on March 28th).

Shannon moved up to third, just one point adrift of the leaders, after they outmuscled Dungannon 22-10 in Coonagh, with Marcus O’Driscoll, a cousin of the Ireland captain, among the try scorers. Munster openside flanker Niall Ronan was another notable name on the team sheet.

Garryowen’s 20-18 defeat of UL Bohemians puts them fifth, with Clontarf slipping to sixth after their match at home to Old Belvedere was called off.

Despite leading 20-0 at half-time, after tries from Willie Staunton and Conor Hartigan, Garryowen were given a late reprieve when UL-Bohemians’ Aidan McNulty failed to convert a Mark Doyle try.

There are three rescheduled fixtures taking place next Saturday when Buccaneers host Galwegians, Shannon go to Cork Constitution and Garryowen travel to Templeville Road to face St Mary’s.