Value of bonus points coming into focus

All-Ireland League Round-up and reportWeek three of the AIB All-Ireland League saw Ballymena and Shannon retain their 100 per cent records with wins over Belfast Harlequins and Garryowen, respectively. However, it was the Ulster side who went top of the table, as they have an extra bonus point.

As the season develops, the teams who pick up these extra points, by scoring four tries, are the most likely to be in the shake-up for a top-four placing.

In this regard, it was a case of an opportunity lost at Castle Avenue on Saturday when Clontarf failed to add a fourth try in their 30-19 defeat of new boys Dolphin.

Despite playing into a stiff first-half breeze, they still managed to lead 20-8 thanks to tries from Donovan Rossi and Ben Wakely.

They continued to dominate possession in the second half, yet were only able to add one more try, via full back Darragh O'Shea. Most bizarre was the decision by outhalf Dave McAllister to settle for a drop-goal with 12 minutes remaining.

Blackrock College - with the battle-hardened Mike Price back in harness after a six-year period plying his rugby trade in places as far flung as Bath, Pontypridd, Cork Constitution and New Zealand - recorded the only away victory of the weekend, against St Mary's at Templeville Road.

It was new director of rugby Stephen Mclvor's first league victory and a vital one at that, considering the need to stay clear of the relegation dogfight that is sure to follow later in the season.

"It was a great relief to get the win, especially considering it became a very intense encounter as we let them back into it, after leading 23-6," said McIvor.

"When we had two players yellow-carded (Dave Dillon and Ross Molloy) they did come back at us to close the gap to 23-18, but we defended our line well.

"Last week we were reduced to 14, while we played for a period with 13 this week, so I feel if we can keep 15 players on the pitch and cut out the silly decision-making, there would be no reason why we cannot push towards the top four.

"That may sound unrealistic, what with the old adage of the underachievers from Blackrock in senior rugby, but we certainly have the young players coming through.

"Presently we have three players in the Irish under-21 set-up - Ken Copeland, John Hearty and Dave Gannon - so the talent is there."

Elsewhere, two tries from former Leinster captain Liam Toland helped Lansdowne to an 18-15 victory over Dungannon at Lansdowne Road, condemning the Northerners to their third straight loss.

UCD and Cork Constitution played out a thrilling 27-all draw at Temple Hill, each side crossing for three tries.