Young out-half Craig Ronaldson made quite an impact for Lansdowne in the opening quarter, converting three penalties to push them into a 9-0 lead.

But Cork Con, who were stung by Old Belvedere in last season’s final, dug in and set up Gerry Hurley for a series of kickable chances.

The place-kicking scrum half knocked over a hat-trick of penalties to get Brian Walsh’s back on terms by half-time.

And the perennial table toppers pushed on in the second half, with flanker Brendan Cuttriss, out-half Darragh Lyons and centre Ivan Dineen playing key roles.

Lansdowne, who have Mike Ruddock on board as their new head coach, lost their shape and their discipline as the visitors edged ahead on the scoreboard.

On the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium, three further well-judged kicks from Hurley put nine points between the sides and Lyons’ late drop goal was the icing on the cake for Constitution.

Scorers:

Lansdowne: Pens: Craig Ronaldson 3

Cork Constitution: Pens: Gerry Hurley 6; Drop: Darragh Lyons

HT: Lansdowne 9 Cork Constitution 9