‘Belvo Beaten By Cusack-Inspired Light Blues

Recent Munster starter Declan Cusack drove Garryowen to a much-needed victory over play-off chasers Old Belvedere on Saturday.

Declan Cusack emerged as the man-of-the-match, converting his own try and kicking two second half penalties as Garryowen won for the first time in five Ulster Bank League games.

The margin at Dooradoyle would have been more had Cusack converted some more of his scoring chances – he missed three first half penalties, two of them from long range, and also failed with a drop goal attempt from in front of the posts.

But the Light Blues lifted themselves off the bottom of Division 1B with a typically determined display against a 'Belvo side that topped the table coming into the penultimate weekend.

Conal Keane's 14th-minute penalty had Old Belvedere in front, but enterprising play from Garryowen was eventually rewarded with a superb try by Cusack who broke from the 22 to touch down by the posts.

Garryowen almost got in for a second try but a great break by winger Ronan O'Mahony was halted inches short of the visitors’ line.

In a first half dominated by the home side, their forwards were also held up on two other occasions.

It remained 7-3 to Garryowen for the interval and immediately after the restart, Cusack landed his first penalty of the encounter. The out-half made sure of the points with another crisp strike in the 65th minute.

Referee: Alan Rogan (IRFU)