AIL round-up: Defending champions Shannon picked up where they left off on the opening day of the AIL All-Ireland League with a 22-11win at Ballymena.

With a fourth successive title in their sights, Shannon remain as hungry for success as ever and first-half tries from Mark Tuohy and David O'Donovan laid the foundations for this win.

A Craig Woods try after the break cut the Limerick side's lead but Shannon secured the points with a late David Quinlan score.

Elsewhere, Cork Constitution gained a measure of revenge over Clontarf for their semi-final defeat last season with a 20-10 win at temple Hill while Lansdowne overcome city rivals St Mary's 34-18.

Last year's Division Two champions Terenure endured a baptism of fire on there return to the top flight, ending up on the wrong end of a 43-8 hammering at UL Bohemian.

Fellow newcomers Dolphin found the step up in class somewhat smoother, a 24-17 win over UCD getting their season off to an encouraging start.

Division One results

Ballymena 11-22 Shannon          
Buccaneers 20-30 Blackrock
Cork Constitution 20-10 Clontarf         
Dolphin 24-17 UCD              
Dungannon 23-29 Garryowen        
Galwegians 29-8 Belfast Harlequins     
Lansdowne 34-18 St Mary's
UL Bohemian 43-8 Terenure

Division One results

Barnhall 16-15 Malone           
Bective 16-23 Young Munster    
Co Carlow 13-25 Highfield        
Greystones 27-23 DLSP             
Midleton 23-26 Suttonians       
Old Belvedere 10-20 Dublin University        
Old Crescent 20-10 Thomond          
UCC 28-21 Clonakilty

Division Three results

Ballynahinch 8-6 Nenagh Ormond    
Banbridge 15-10 Sundays Well     
Connemara 18-5 City of Derry    
Corinthians 15-17 Rainey
Instonians  23-13 Bruff            
Portadown 0-32 Old Wesley       
Queens 22-7 Waterpark        
Wanderers  11-3 Ards