Winners at Old Belvedere last time out, Mary's made the most of their scoring opportunities to close back in on Division One's play-off positions.

However, Blackrock will be kicking themselves as this is a match they should have won. The division's top try scorer, Shane Monahan, missed two gilt-edged try-scoring chances – knocking on twice with the try-line in his sights.

There were 20 minutes on the clock before Mary's out-half Shaun McCarthy opened the scoring with a surefooted penalty goal. Australian McCarthy had Conor McPhillips as his half-back partner, following Matt D'Arcy's move to Doncaster.

Darragh Fitzpatrick squared up the game with a penalty for 'Rock before Mary's winger Fanning struck for his try, on the stroke of half-time.

Fanning's score went unconverted, leaving Mary's 8-3 ahead at the break. The try scorer increased his influence on proceedings with a superb last-ditch tackle which denied the visitors a certain try.

McCarthy kicked Mary's 11-3 ahead and when lock McInerney followed up on some good work by his former Ireland Under-20 team-mate Kevin Sheahan to score a crucial 68th minute try, the game was as good as over.

'Rock had little in reserve but they did gain a consolation try in injury-time when Monahan skipped clear of the cover to score a five-pointer.