Buoyant Blackrock Blitz Garryowen
The remarkably talented Blackrock College back-line stole the show at Stradbrook on Saturday afternoon by putting six tries past an off-form Garryowen and running out impressive 48-14 winners.
AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 1A: Saturday, October 10
BLACKROCK COLLEGE 48 GARRYOWEN 14, Stradbrook
Scorers: Blackrock College: Tries: David Moore, Cian Culleton, Kyle Tonetti, Brendan Macken, Jordi Murphy, Andrew Conway; Cons: James Power 6; Pen: James Power; Drop: James Power
Garryowen: Try: Ronan O’Mahony; Pens: Conor Murray 3
In what was a hugely impressive performance, the Blackrock backs simply stunned their Munster opponents whose defence could not keep up with their pace.
Blackrock out-half James Power compounded Garryowen’s woes by landing all six conversions as well as adding a drop goal and a penalty, steering the Barry Gibney and Emmett Farrell-coached Dubliners to the top of the Division 1A table.
Bright young star Andrew Conway, who scored ‘Rock’s only try in their opening win over UL Bohemians, was once again in flying form and apart from being a constant threat to the Garryowen defence, he sealed win with the final try of a free-flowing encounter.
Garryowen showed great character to clinch a dramatic victory over defending champions Shannon last week when out-half Willie Staunton slotted a 45-metre drop goal.
However, the tide quickly turned on coach Paul Cunningham whose side were on the back foot right from the start of this tie.
When scrum half David Moore received the ball in the opponents’ 22, he was allowed to break through a sluggish defence and score ‘Rock’s first try under the posts after only five minutes.
Garryowen made a small comeback through two penalties from scrum half Conor Murray but the home side reacted with two tries to make it 21-6 with ten minutes to go in the first half.
Centre Ronan O’Mahony scored a try before half-time which rejuvenated Garryowen and they started the second half in a fine style.
However, they were unable to maintain the pressure and ‘Rock simply dominated for most of the second half.
The impressive Brendan Macken and Conway were key as they continued to find gaps in Garryowen’s defensive line and the hosts ran out easy winners in the end.