Shannon's bragging rights in AIL Division 1A derby win over Munsters'

DOMINANT Shannon scored their first win back in Division 1A of the All-Ireland League when easing past local rivals Young Munster 23-10 at Thomond Park on Friday night.

After an evenly-contested opening period, Tom Hayes’ Shannon gained a complete stanglehold on the game after the restart, with the newly promoted side running out emphatic winners.

Indeed, Shannon will feel a degree of frustration not to have managed to take a try bonus point away from the fixture.

This was Shannon’s first Limerick derby win in a top flight AIL fixture in five seasons following their relegation to Division 1B.

Shannon led 15-10 at half-time in favourable playing conditions through first half tries from Nathan Randles and Will Leonard, while out-half Jake Flannery added a conversion and penalty goal.

Munsters’ New Zealand out-half Clayton Stewart scored all of his side’s points with a try, conversion and penalty.

The Greenfields side, who had beaten Terenure College on the opening weekend, failed to register a single point in the second half, however.

Shannon bounced back from their opening day defeat to Cork Con in some style with a try from full-back Jamie McGarry and 71st minute penalty from Flannery.

Meanwhile, in Division 2A, UL-Bohemian suffered an agonising 12-13 home defeat to Nenagh Ormond at ULs North Campus also on Friday night.

UL-Bohs led 7-3 at half-time, with a try on the half hour mark from James McCarthy which was converted by Robbie Bourke.

However, a penalty and converted try for the Tipp side in the second half saw them ease 13-7 in front.

UL-Bohs gained a lifeline late on when Brian Walsh scored a second try for the home side. However, Nenagh Ormond hung on to claim victory.