AIB ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE:AFTER THREE defeats to start the competition and just one win, Shannon proved they remain very much in contention in Division One A of the AIB All-Ireland League with a 21-15 victory over Blackrock College at Stradbrook on Saturday.

It helped enormously that they were able to call on their strongest line-up to date, with Munster players Felix Jones, Ian Dowling and Niall Ronan all included.

All three made significant impressions, with Dowling featuring in the centre instead of the wing.

Although Blackrock contributed substantially to a competitive encounter, Shannon deserved their victory.

The Limerick side started with great intensity, leaving Blackrock struggling to secure the type of ball their backs can thrive on.

Importantly, Shannon also possess one of the best finishers around in dual rugby and Gaelic football player Stephen Kelly.

The left wing secured two first- half tries, the first an opportunist effort, while the second arrived after Blackrock number eight Mick Carroll was sin-binned for a late tackle on Jones.

Blackrock were made to pay. Shannon outhalf Tadhg Bennett landed the resulting penalty before Kelly went over for his second try following one of the best moves of the game.

Earlier, Bennett had converted Kelly’s first try and kicked a penalty.

Blackrock kept in touch with three penalties from James Power to leave them trailing 15-9 at the interval, but, as hard as they tried in an improved second half performance, they never looked capable of overhauling their rivals.

Bennett and the impressive Jones each landed drop goals to extend Shannon’s advantage to 21-12 going into the final quarter. To their credit, Blackrock did manage a late rally, causing Shannon to defend desperately at times, but could not manage a try.

Instead, they had to rely on Power’s accurate goalkicking, the centre landing two more penalties, the second of which came in injury time to give Blackrock an important and deserved losing bonus point.

The situation has become tight at the top of the table following the shock 25-20 defeat of leaders St Mary’s College by UL Bohemian at Thomond Park.

Daniel Riordan, playing in the centre, crossed for two tries, while late scores from Ed Torrie (try) and Fergal Lawler (penalty) were to prove decisive. Once again, wing Darragh Fanning (two), and secondrow Robin Copeland contributed tries for St Mary’s, who remain on top of the table on 18 points, three ahead of Blackrock.

Cork Constitution’s hard fought 21-18 home success over Clontarf puts them in third spot, just a point behind Blackrock. The impressive Scott Deasy was the key figure, the centre and skipper contributing a try, conversion and three penalties.

Elsewhere, bad weather caused the game between Garryowen and Dolphin to be postponed.

In Division One B, Old Belvedere stay at the top of the table, despite losing 13-12 to Galwegians at Crowley Park.

Old Belvedere, without Fergus McFadden, led 12-8 until John Cleary scored a crucial second try late for Galwegians.

Young Munster moved into second place, thumping Ballymena 16-3 at Clifford Park.

Dungannon secured third position with a 27-3 victory over Buccaneers, while UCC are fourth after beating Ballynahinch 15-6 at Ballymacarn Park.