THE RESULT meant nothing in the context of the All-Ireland League, but Constitution's victory over Old Crescent at Temple Hill on Saturday was a morale booster in preparation for the Munster Cup.
These sides meet again in Cork on Saturday in the opening round of the cup campaign and Constitution will have a psychological advantage on the basis of this win.
But Old Crescent won't feel too down-hearted because they were short three key forwards - captain Liam Toland, Len Dinneen and Dara Kirby.
The loss of these players was always going to raise problems for the Rosbrien side and sure enough they struggled up front.
Yet they bounced into an early lead when dual status player Packie Hallissey, drafted in from junior side Kilfeakle, slotted over an early penalty and they had a further boost when David Bowles ran in for a try.
But Constitution settled quickly and bounced back into contention with a try from Jerry Murray, a conversion and a penalty from Ronan O'Gara.
By half-time they were well on their way to victory after scoring a further try from Kenny Murphy. Constitution sealed the win with an early second half try from Brian Walsh, with O'Gara converting to push them into a 22-8 lead.
Crescent rallied briefly with a Sean Madigan try which was converted by Hallissey, but Walsh, had the last say with his second try and O'Gara again converted.
