Scanlon Kicks Cork Con To Victory

Cork Constitution's second trip to Dublin in the space of a week ended in another success as full-back Sean Scanlon booted them past Old Belvedere.

Scanlon found the target with a last-gasp drop goal from 50 metres out to help the Leesiders remain in pole position at the top of All-Ireland League Division 1A.

Old Belvedere, impressive winners at St. Mary's College last weekend, had the wind at their backs in the opening half, but could not establish an advantage on the scoreboard.

Out-half Conal Keane kicked two penalties for Phil Werahiko's men, with Cork Con winger Richie Lane replying with two for his side.

The sides were also even in terms of sin-binnings as Cork Con lock Ian Nagle (17 minutes) and Old Belvedere prop Stewart Maguire (37) both saw yellow.

Constitution looked to have the edge as Lane landed his third penalty, eight minutes into the second half.

'Belvo then introduced player-coach Andy Dunne at out-half, and the hosts raised their game considerably. They enjoyed a spell in the Cork Con 22 before Dunne kicked them level from a penalty, after Cyprien Jouve was sin-binned.

However, the Dubliners had to reorganise their back-line after Dunne was forced off with a hamstring injury. Leinster's Eoin O'Malley was switched from centre to out-half.

In a defence-dominated final quarter, ex-Leinster winger Simon Keogh was denied a try by a superb tackle from the covering Cronan Healy. The hosts also missed a 75th minute penalty chance.

And, just as they did last Saturday against Blackrock, Cork Con used their experience and quality to settle the issues in the closing stages.

They regained the initiative before Scanlon found the target with a cracking drop goal from near the right touchline.

Referee: Richard Kerr (IRFU)