These two well-organised defences kept things tight. Out-half Ronaldson was able to extend Lansdowne's lead to 6-0 and they made further headway approaching half-time.

Elusive winger Cian Aherne broke through impressively for the game's opening try, Ronaldson adding the extras to put 13 points between the sides at the break.

St. Mary's turned around with the elements at their back and a determination to eat into that deficit.

The accurate boot of full-back Gavin Dunne got them up and running, he chipped in with three penalties and a drop goal to reel in Mike Ruddock's men.

Lansdowne showed their mettle as despite losing lock Marc Feeley to the sin-bin, Ronaldson sent a superb penalty over for a 16-12 lead.

Fleet-footed centre Sean Carey then scooted over for what was the clinching try. A Dunne seven-pointer in the final minutes secured a losing bonus point for St. Mary's.

Referee: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)