Ballymena retained their place at the top of the AIB League thanks to a 18-15 win over Garryowen at Eaton Park. They led 13-12 at the break and then went briefly behind when Mark Connolly landed a penalty for the visitors but then Huw Jones produced a fine solo effort to score the try that secured his side the points.
In Temple Hill the home side looked in serious trouble when they trailed 24-9 at half-time. However Con scored two second half tries - from Dave O'Brien and Cronin Healy - and with Pat McCarthy in immaculate form with the boot they ended up sharing the spoild 27 points apiece.
Clontarf led Dolphin 20-8 by half time thanks to tries from Donovan Rossi and Ben Wakeley both converted by David McAllister who also added two penalties. Andrew Finn (try) and John O'Mahoney replying for the Cork side. A further try from Dara O'Shea, again converted by McAllister saw 'Tarf race further ahead. Finn scored his second try and O'Mahoney added two more penalties but the home side ran out comfortable 30-19 winners.
Elswhere Lansdowne kick-started their season with a 18-15 win over Dungannon at Lansdowne Road.
Shannon were 15-6 winners over Belfast Harlequins in Thomond Park and St Mary's College lost 23-18 to Blackrock College in Templeville Road.
AIB League Division One Ballymena 18-15 Garryowen Cork Constitution 27-27 U.C.D. Clontarf 30-19 Dolphin Lansdowne 18-15 Dungannon Shannon 15-6 Belfast Harlequins St. Mary's College 18-23 Blackrock College.
AIB League Division Three Barnhall 16-18 Young Munster D.L.S.P. 18-8 U.L.Bohemians Dublin University 22-4 Old Crescent Sunday's Well 13-33 Old Belvedere Terenure College 18-17 Midleton Thomond 21-23 Ballynahinch U.C.C. 14-8 Malone Waterpark 15-10 Bective Rangers.
AIB League Division Three Ballina 11-20 Highfield Banbridge 21-20 Ards City of Derry 35-8 Old Wesley Corinthians 17-20 Skerries Naas 24-8 Suttonians Instonians 34-16 Queens University Portadown 6-20 Wanderers Connemara 15-18 Greystones