Garryowen downed by Blackrock in one-sided AIL fixture

GARRYOWEN fell to a 43-16 defeat to Blackrock College RFC in Round Five of Division 1B of the All-Ireland League in Dooradoyle.

The victory sees Blackrock go top of the league after five games, while Garryowen remain in ninth in what has so far been a disappointing start to the season.

The Light Blues will need a big reverse in fortunes over the coming weeks to make a playoff push but focus right now is very much on staying in Division 1B for next season.

Garryowen dominated possession in the opening stages, but inaccuracies cost the hosts twice in the first ten minutes.

Two overthrown lineouts near the Blackrock try line and a penalty kicked dead saw them spurn good opportunities early.

Having soaked up the early pressure, ‘Rock got the first score of the game after fifteen minutes.

Some excellent attacking phase play opened up space out wide for former Ireland Sevens international Inigo Cruise-O’Brien, whose chip through was dotted down by Harry Waters in the right-hand corner. Tim Corkery added an excellent conversion.

Garryowen responded only a couple of minutes later, as out-half Alexander Wood knocked over a long-range penalty to make it 7-3.

A brilliant turnover penalty won by winger Barry Galvin put Blackrock back into the Garryowen twenty-two just a few minutes before half-time.

A good move off the lineout saw scrum-half Thomas Quinn score under the posts; Corkery adding the extras to extend their lead.

Two more penalties from Wood kept the Sky Blues in touching distance, but Blackrock struck again on the stroke of half-time.

Sustained pressure from ‘Rock eventually told, as Garryowen were again guilty of being too narrow in defence; Leinster academy centre Jack Deegan touching down to put the visitors into a 21-9 half-time lead.

Blackrock had to absorb some Garryowen pressure after the break but did so impressively, keeping the home side at arm’s length.

‘Rock won a penalty on their own twenty-two and drove up the pitch, with Jack Deegan making several impressive carries.

A string of penalties led to a Jack Treanor score from a strong lineout maul, sealing a bonus-point for the Dublin club in the fifty-eighth minute.

As Garryowen tried to fight their way back into the game, Blackrock took advantage on the counterattack. A counter-ruck on the halfway line led to a sweeping break, finished off by fullback Derry Moloney for a well-deserved try.

As much as Garryowen battled, the visitors’ defence was relentless. Cruise-O’Brien held up Mark Fitzgerald on the Blackrock line before they drove up the field to score their sixth try of the game through Luke McCauliffe.

Eric Cantillon scored a superb consolation try for Garryowen with a couple of minutes to go, but Blackrock got the last laugh nonetheless, as Cian Eddy barged over to complete a 43-16 win for the visitors.

GARRYOWEN: Fionn Rowsome, Tom Ironside Wickham, Bryan Fitzgerald, Ed Barry, Daniel O’Connell, Alexander Wood, Luca Cleary, Lachlan Pheely, Dara Phelan, Mark Fitzgerald, Blayze Molloy, Joe Finn, Oisin Cooke, Des Fitzgerald, Alan Fitzgerald.

Replacements: Dean Fanning, Eric Cantillon, Adedamola Obasa, Sean Rennison, Marcus Joyce, Cathal O’Mara.

BLACKROCK: Derry Moloney, Harry Waters, Jack Deegan, Darragh Farrell, Barry Galvin, Tim Corkery, Thomas Quinn, Paddy Moore, Jack Treanor, Emmet Burns, Tommy Butler, Roy Whelan, Jonty Ravenhill, Inigo Cruise-O’Brien, James Burke.

Replacements: Luke McCauliffe, Shane Connolly, Kevin Jackson, Conor Hanly, Colm Quilligan, Cian Eddy.

Referee: Sam Holt (IRFU).