Cork Con 37 Blacrock 33
The return of Cork Constitutions contracted players helped them to return to winning ways at Temple Hill today.
Having lost their previous five games, the Temple Hill side were in danger of relegation but this win coupled with a bonus point moves them into a far healthier position.
Brian O’Meara was superb at out-half while Mick O’Driscoll and Donncha O’Callaghan dominated the line-outs.
Jim Williams was his usual self and rounded off a complete performance with a try.
Blackrock trailed at the break 20-16 despite having the better of the first half for long periods. With winger Conor Kilroy in great kicking form, they led 6-0 before Rory Kenneally got the first of his two first half trys.
O’Meara converted but Blackrock responded with a converted Mick Carroll try to restore their lead 13-7 midway through the half.
Kenneally went over for his second try, O’Meara converted and Con led 17-13 approaching the break but the sides had time for one more penalty each to leave Con ahead by four at the break (20-16).
O’Meara increased that lead eight minutes into the second half before Kilroy reduced the deficit to four points once again (23-19).
A Mick O’Driscoll steal on a Blackrock line-out set up the home side for the vital winning try which saw winger Derek Dillon crash over under the posts.
O’Meara converted and Con were out of sight. Jim Williams ensured the bonus point in the 67th minute (37-19) before Blackrock finished with a flourish to end the game with two late tries from Conor Kilroy and Neill Treston but it was too little too late.