Bonus Sends Blackrock Back To The Summit

Blackrock College are back in pole position in AIB League Division One after gaining their fourth bonus point win of the campaign – a well-judged but hard-fought 33-19 victory over Young Munster.

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION ONE: Saturday, January 24

BLACKROCK COLLEGE 33 YOUNG MUNSTER 19, Stradbrook

Scorers: Blackrock College: Tries: Shane Monahan, Paul Huntley, Paul Graham, Jayden Hill, David Rowan; Con: Darragh Fitzpatrick; Pens: Darragh Fitzpatrick 2

Young Munster: Try: Stephen Carey; Con: Mark Connolly; Pens: Mark Connolly 4

With long-time leaders Clontarf losing to UL Bohemians and Dolphin failing to net a bonus point, Blackrock took full advantage at Stradbrook as tries from Shane Monahan, Paul Huntley, Paul Graham, Jayden Hill and David Rowan saw them power past Young Munster.

They did not have it all their own way as a Stephen Carey try and three successful kicks from Mark Connolly had Munsters level at 13-13 at half-time.

But the visitors could not cope with ‘Rock’s attacking skills in the second half, with out-half Darragh Fitzpatrick leading a number of telling breaks.

Statuesque winger Monahan, the division’s top try scorer, took his tally to nine touchdowns in as many games, while flanker Hill’s effort, which Fitzpatrick converted, really broke Munsters’ resolve at 28-16.