AIB League – Cork Con, Shannon Division One Final

Cork Constitution and Shannon will contest the final of the AIB League following their wins over Buccaneers and Belfast Harlequins respectively.

Cork Constitution and Shannon will contest the final of the AIB League following their wins over Buccaneers and Belfast Harlequins respectively. Con won 20-6 at Temple Hill while Shannon were 27-13 victors over Harlequins at Thomond Park.

In Division Two, Dublin University qualified for the final – where they’ll play either UL Bohemians or UCC who play tomorrow – when they had a narrow 19-16 win over Old Belvedere at Merrion Road.

In Division Three, Greystones defeated City of Derry 33-28 but there was an upset in the other semi whjen Ards accounted for Highfield 33-19 at Woodleigh Park.

In Temple Hill, Con led 10-3 at half time but saw that lead reduced to just four points early in the second half when David Connellan landed his second penalty. However a scintillating run from the outstanding Anthony Horgan set up the crucial try for Jean-Vincent Igarza and with David Pusey and number 8 Brendan O’Connor excelling up front, Con ran out comfortable winners.

In Thomond Park, first half tries from Brian Tuohy and Mossie Lawlor helped the home side to a 15-3 interval lead. Ajay Derwin then landed a 47th minute penalty and a Rory Best try nine minutes later opened the possibility of a major upset as Shannon found themselves with just a two point cushion (15-13). However Tommy Cregan landed three penalties in the closing quarter while Andrew Thompson struck a cracking drop-goal to send Shannon to Lansdowne Road for the final next Saturday.