St. Mary’s are hanging onto the coat tails of Clontarf at the top of the table, with this victory on Leeside keeping them just a point adrift of front runners ‘Tarf.

The Dublin clubs are due to meet in a top of the table clash at Castle Avenue on Saturday, April 14, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two.

Cork Con, who have now slipped out of the running for the title, played some open and expansive rugby in the first half but had little return for their efforts.

St. Mary’s full-back Gavin Dunne watched a 19th minute penalty attempt come back off the woodwork, before Constitution scrum half Gerry Hurley kicked the hosts ahead nine minutes later.

Dunne replied with a well-struck effort in the 34th minute but Cork Con stole into an 8-3 half-time lead on the back of a breakaway try from the fleet-footed Niall O’Driscoll.

Brian Walsh’s men looked likely winners when O’Driscoll crossed again early in the second half, following some excellent work in attack by the Constitution backs.

But back came St. Mary’s with a Dunne penalty and a pushover try in the 53rd minute which was accredited to prop Rob Sweeney. Dunne conversion’s squared it up at 13-all.

In a tense, action-packed final quarter, Constitution edged ahead again courtesy of a Hurley penalty and a try by promising forward James Ryan.

Stung into action, the Dubliners hit back with a try of their own just three minutes later. Centre Stephen Grissing was the scorer and Dunne added the extras for a 21-20 scoreline.

A victory was vital for Peter Smyth’s charges to keep the pressure on Clontarf at the summit and they got over the finish line with a gritty late push.

They earned a 76th minute penalty which Dunne coolly sent through the posts for the match-winning score, putting an end to Cork Con’s title ambitions in the process.

Scorers: Cork Constitution: Tries: Niall O’Driscoll 2, James Ryan; Pens: Gerry Hurley 2

St. Mary's College: Tries: Rob Sweeney, Stephen Grissing; Con: Gavin Dunne 2; Pens: Gavin Dunne 3

HT: Cork Constitution 8 St. Mary’s College 3