Ace out-half Evan Cusack stole the show at Tom Clifford Park as he guided Young Munster to a 19-7 Energia All-Ireland League win over Terenure College.
Cusack kicked 14 points to take his early-season haul to 37 after three rounds, in a game that was tight until the very end.
With a strong wind behind him, one of his first half kicks flew over from inside the Cookies’ half.
Terenure’s Peter Sylvester took a great line onto a pass to score, closing the gap to 12-7, but in-form Munsters winger Conor Hayes slipped out of a tackle and reached in under the posts for his third try in as many games.
Garryowen still sit top of the Division 1A table after surging to their third straight bonus point victory. They ran out 26-13 winners over UCD with two tries each from Bryan Fitzgerald and Sean Rennison.
Cork Constitution’s title defence took another hit at Castle Avenue where Clontarf scored three second half tries in a deserved 31-24 triumph.
Back-to-back efforts from Conor Kearns and Leinster Academy flanker Martin Moloney sealed it for ‘Tarf, but Con fought back for a losing bonus point, Sean French touching down and captain Aidan Moynihan taking his kicking haul to 14 points.
Winger Michael Silvester had a memorable debut for Lansdowne, scoring two second half tries in their 31-15 bonus point success against an Alex Kendellen-inspired UCC. Kendellen notched the students’ second try.
Leinster’s Liam Turner was a ball of energy in Dublin University’s 19-13 win over Ballynahinch. His provincial colleague Jack Dunne also got game-time off the bench, on his return from an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Highfield remain a point clear at the top of Division 1B after hammering Naas 38-3. Big carries from Ryan Murphy and James Rochford set the tone, with the Corkmen recovering from losing outhalf James Taylor to an early injury.
St. Mary’s College opened their win account, beating Banbridge 29-17 with captain Richie Halpin getting amongst the tries. A late penalty try gave City of Armagh a tense 23-20 home win over Shannon.
Old Wesley are also unbeaten after three rounds, centre David Poff’s third-minute try putting them on track for a 45-7 bonus point victory over Navan.
It was maximum points too for Old Belvedere, with Leinster Academy hooker John McKee touching down twice in a 32-10 defeat of Malone.
Energia Men’s All-Ireland League results, Saturday, October 16th
Division 1A
Clontarf 31 Cork Constitution 24, Castle Avenue
Dublin University 19 Ballynahinch 13, College Park
Garryowen 26 UCD 13, Dooradoyle
UCC 15 Lansdowne 31, the Mardyke
Young Munster 19 Terenure College 7, Tom Clifford Park
Division 1B
Banbridge 17 ST. Mary’s College 29, Rifle Park
City Of Armagh 23 Shannon 20, Palace Grounds
Highfield 38 Naas 3, Woodleigh Park
Old Belvedere 32 Malone 10, Ollie Campbell Park
Old Wesley 45 Navan 7, Energia Park
