AIB LEAGUE/Garryowen 6 Cork Constitution 6:LEADERS CORK Constitution weren't about to grumble too much about their failure to overcome Garryowen in Saturday's AIB League Division One A clash at Dooradoyle.
There was never any real chance of flowing rugby in a match played in difficult foggy and muddy conditions. Effectively, it came down to a highly-competitive forward battle and kicking duel between Cork Con's Scott Deasy and Conor Murray of Garryowen.
Cork Con coach Brian Walsh argued the entertainment level will surely improve when the sides clash again the AIB Cup final at Dubarry Park next Saturday.
He said: "Taking into account the conditions and the fact that Garryowen have strung some good results together recently, we knew it was going to be tight. Naturally, there's a certain amount of disappointment that we didn't avail of a late penalty opportunity, but, at the same time, getting anything on the road in this league is a benefit.
"I'd be disappointed with the amount of kicking there was. But hopefully there will be a nice pitch next weekend, and the two sides will have the chance to show what they are really capable of."
No doubt, the battle between the respective scrumhalves, Duncan Williams of Cork Con of Garryowen's Murray, will prove crucial. Both Walsh and Garryowen's director of rugby Greig Oliver believe these two Munster-contracted players have real potential.
Oliver, capped by Scotland at scrumhalf, is in a good position to give an assessment. He commented: "Obviously, I know Conor Murray particularly well and he brings a lot of things to the table because of his height and strength.
"He's also an excellent goalkicker, so he has a good future. Duncan, unfortunately, has been plagued by injuries but he has a great astuteness about him. Munster are fortunate to have the two of them."
Walsh agrees, but he is also aware there is a lot more to his team than Williams. Fullback Deasy, for example, is an excellent footballer. And the fact he has the place-kicking duties makes him extra important. On Saturday, he was successful with two out of four, his second miss 10 minutes from the end proving costly.
But, overall, he was one of the better players of the pitch. Murray landed two out of three penalties for Garryowen, only missing with an early effort from near half way.
Garryowen had slightly the better of the first half to lead 6-3, before Deasy levelled matters for an improved Cork Con side after 57 minutes. With St Mary's losing, Cork Con still top the table by two points. As for Garryowen, Saturday's draw moves them to within a point of third-from-bottom Clontarf, but with a game in hand.
GARRYOWEN: R O'Mahony; I Hanley, C Doyle (Capt), K Hartigan, A Gaughan; W Staunton, C Murray; J Halpin, M Sherry, D Lavery, F McKenna (M Melbourne 58), E Mackey (A McCluskey 58), P Neville, A Kavanagh, D Sherry.
CORK CONSTITUTION: S Deasy; R Lane, T Gleeson, E Ryan (Capt), C Healy; D Lyons, D Williams; G Murray (M Gately 47), R Quinn, S Archer, M O'Connell (E Leamy 79), I Nagle, B Holland, P O'Malley, F Cogan.
Referee: C Stanley.
Shannon, fielding a side which included Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery and Donnacha Ryan, moved to second spot in Division One A of the AIB League with a 17-11 Thomond Park success over UL Bohemians.
Outhalf Tadgh Bennett contributed 12 points with three penalties and a drop goal, while Fionn McLoughlin scored Shannon's only try. For UL Bohs, Daniel Riordan again scored a try, Fergal Lawler being responsible for the remainder of their other points.
Former leaders St Mary's have slipped to third after a 21-13 defeat by Dolphin at Musgrave Park. Outhalf Cormac O'Flynn slotted seven penalties for all his side's points. The only try of the came came from St Mary's wing Daragh Fanning. Elsewhere, Blackrock accounted for Clontarf 26-13 at Stradbrook. Tries from centre Kyle Tonetti and wing Andrew Conway gave the home team victory.
In Division One B, Old Belvedere regained top spot on points difference ahead of Young Munster by securing a bonus point in their 26-10 away win over Ballymena. Young Munster edged out Ballynahinch 15-12 at home, while UCC trounced Dungannon 21-3 at Stevenson Park. Galwegians pipped Connacht rivals Buccaneers 12-11 at Crowley Park.
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