Holders clinch semi-final slot

All-Ireland League: Michael Cheika was a noticeable observer at Belfield on Saturday as defending All-Ireland League champions Shannon punished some brittle UCD defending to secure, at the very least, an away semi-final, writes Gavin Cummiskey.

The students will see this as an opportunity lost. Tries from Conor Geoghegan and Niall Kearns put them 12-6 ahead coming up to half-time. They also had a numerical advantage after Shannon prop Les Hogan was sinbinned by Alain Rolland.

In first-half injury-time, however, Dave Delaney slotted a penalty and from the restart Andrew Thompson's clever offload allowed Brian Tuohy to race over. Delaney added the extras to make it 16-12.

Thereafter, as is their right, the Limerick forwards spoiled the game as a spectacle. Yet the decision not to chase a bonus point leaves them five points adrift of Clontarf and Garryowen and probably means a trip to Dooradoyle or Castle Avenue in the play-offs.

The win was secured on the hour when UCD were caught napping by a Delaney cross field kick. Donnacha Ryan got away with pushing Eoghan Hickey off the ball before galloping 70 metres to the posts.

UCD remained true to their running philosophy - Richie Mandeno touched down in injury time to earn a bonus point - but whenever the Shannon line was under threat, a forward merely killed ball at the breakdown.

Cork Constitution moved up to fourth when late tries from Diarmuid O'Riordan and Cronan Healy clinched a 20-19 win over Galwegians at Crowley Park.

With Garryowen and Clontarf picking up bonus points against Carlow and St Mary's, only one semi-final spot remains up for grabs. It looks set to go down to the last day after UL-Bohemians centre Ben Martin contributed 28-points in the 33-14 victory over Ballymena at Annacotty. Considering Cork Con have a game in hand, the Limerick club may rue not getting a fourth try.

Down the bottom, Carlow are relegated and will be joined by Trinity or Galwegians.