AIL: Ballynahinch given a grounding by Cork on home soil

Constitution make early gains to halt winning streak at Ballymacarn Park

A second-half try from Aaron Dundon helped Clontarf to a 18-14 win over Terenure on Friday night. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho.
A second-half try from Aaron Dundon helped Clontarf to a 18-14 win over Terenure on Friday night. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho.

Cork Constitution brought Ballynahinch's two-match winning run to a shuddering halt by hammering the hosts 38-3 at Ballymacarn Park in Ulster Bank League Division 1A.

The Ballynahinch forwards struggled to stop the Leesiders' rolling maul, and a 12-man effort helped Con on their way to a 17-0 half-time. Indeed, four of their five tries were scored by forwards with number eight and captain James Ryan crashing over twice, openside James Murphy scoring just after the break and young hooker Max Abbott grabbing his second in at many games.

Replacement scrumhalf Jason Higgins also got his name on the scoresheet.

The result keeps sixth-placed Con within reach of the play-off positions, while bottom side ’Hinch remain two points behind fellow strugglers Terenure.

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Share of spoils

Elsewhere, Lansdowne’s man-of-the-match

Scott Deasy

nailed a 76th minute penalty to ensure a share of the spoils with Garryowen (16-16) at Dooradoyle.

A lone second-half penalty from Gearóid Lyons was enough for Young Munster to close out a tight 14-11 win away to misfiring Old Belvedere.

Fast-finishing UCD hit Galwegians with 20 unanswered points as the Division 1A leaders gained a 33-15 victory at the Belfield Bowl.

Three unconverted tries from in-form fullback John Cleary, Ed O’Keeffe and Marc Kelly had Galwegians leading 15-13 early in the second half.

However, the students found an extra gear in the final quarter with winger Tom Fletcher, replacement Charlie Cregan and centre Conall Doherty all touching down.

The bonus point success has Noel McNamara’s youngsters five points clear of Clontarf at the summit.

Clontarf were 18-14 winners over Terenure College on Friday night courtesy of second-half tries from Aaron Dundon and Matt D’Arcy.