Young Munster suffered their fifth consecutive defeat at the hands of Blackrock College on Saturday, going down 42-8 at Stradbrook. This run of five defeats marks the club's worst start to a season since the All-Ireland League came into being. Blackrock had already notched up two tries and two conversions before Munster got their names on the scoreboard and when they managed to touch down themselves through Leo Doyle in the 38th minute, it looked as if they would have a fighting chance.
However, a penalty directly before half-time and a try just after the re-start from Blackrock's Conor Kilroy put the home side back in the driving seat at 22-8. Two more penalties from Kilroy soon followed and in the 66th minute, Blackrock wrapped up the proceedings with a try from Nathan Turner while Gary Browne added a fifth try with three minutes remaining. Kilroy converted both successfully to leave the final score at 42-8.
It was a much tighter match at Dooradoyle between Garryowen and reigning champions Dungannon although a late try from the home side gave the scoreline a more flattering look. However, Garryowen remain unbeaten for the season (having won three and drawn one so far) and overall, deserved their victory over Dugannon.
Dungannon enjoyed the better start, scoring a try through Ian Humphreys, brother of David but Garryowen were quick with their response and Billy Treacy touched down under the post and then converted to level the scores. By half-tim, Dungannon led 13-10 but they failed to score in the second half as Garryowen went back in front thanks to two penalties from Treacy before Paul Neville's late try secured their victory.
Ballymena suffered their third defeat in four matches at the hands of visitors Cork Constitution on Saturday. The visitors came away with a deserved victory although Ballymena made most of the running in the first half but failed to capitalise on their possession and led by a mere point at the interval. In the second-half, Con took the lead with a try from Des Dillon and although Ballymena later got within a point of their opponents, they never managed to go ahead again and a try from Donnacha O'Callaghan decided the outcome.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
