Blackrock Recover To Beat Shannon

Tries from Rob Keogh, Alex Dunlop, Mark Scott-Lennon and Jan-Simon Byrne inspired Eric Miller's men to just their second win of the campaign.

Luke O'Dea and Paddy Butler returned from Munster duty to line out for Shannon at full-back and openside flanker respectively, with John Clogan back from injury at inside centre.

However, Butler had to leave the Stradbrook pitch early clutching an injured arm and both teams took their time to settle.

Shannon had the advantage of a first half wind and their trusty out-half Tadhg Bennett popped over a ninth minute penalty for the lead score.

Blackrock defended well as the visitors pressed for a try and with their backs handling well, Miller's side enjoyed some decent possession in the Shannon half.

Back chat led to referee Leo Colgan moving a penalty into a kickable range for Bennett and he duly doubled Shannon's lead in the 18th minute.

But ‘Rock hit back just five minutes later, countering from deep as they ran a kick back and then centre Keogh collected his own chip to score in the right corner.

That unconverted try was quickly followed by Bennett’s third penalty goal, awarded for a high tackle on Shannon captain Mossie Lawlor.

Bennett added a fourth before Blackrock, with Des Dillon and Dunlop carrying strongly, missed a kickable chance through Darragh Fitzpatrick.

That came after Shannon prop Les Hogan was sin-binned for coming in at the side of a ruck. Fitzpatrick redeemed himself by slotting a well-struck penalty to reduce the arrears.

Indeed, Blackrock finished the opening period in fine fettle as good angles of running and clever offloading put number 8 Dunlop over out wide for an injury-time try that Fitzpatrick converted.

Shannon forced the pace when the second half got underway, Fitzpatrick seeing yellow as ‘Rock desperately defended their try-line. The resulting penalty was converted by Bennett.

But that only served to rouse the Blackrock attack into action once again. Full-back Andrew Letham steadied the hosts with a penalty following a Shannon offside.

Moments later, a fortunate bounce sent winger Scott-Lennon through for try number three and Shannon’s positive start had been erased.

O’Dea threatened twice before the Shannon forwards used a five-metre lineout put more pressure on the ‘Rock defence. It stood up to the task, winning a crucial turnover.

Gaps appeared in the Shannon rearguard again and the fleet-footed Byrne broke through for the bonus point score with 13 minutes remaining. Letham added the extras for a double scores lead.

The remainder of the game was marred by indiscipline as Dylan Simmonds was sin-binned for the victors, and a melee in the closing minutes resulted in another yellow for ‘Rock and a red for Clogan.

Referee: Leo Colgan (IRFU)