Cork Con secure scrappy win
Cork Constitution 18 Blackrock College 5, Temple Hill
Jeremy Manning recovered from his late misses for Munster against Glasgow last night to kick Cork Constitution to an opening day win in AIB League Division One, with the Leesiders beating Blackrock College 18-5.
Out-half Manning kicked a conversion, penalty and drop goal to decide a scrappy affair at Temple Hill.
A fifth-minute try from ‘Rock full-back Fionn Carr was the sole score of the first half. But tries from centre Tom Gleeson and scrum half John Stringer, young brother of Peter, set Con on their way to victory.
There were some notable inclusions in both teams with former Leinster, Ireland and Lions hooker Shane Byrne making his league return with 'Rock and Con's Denis Hurley returning to the fray from injury.
'Rock took advantage of some sleepy defending from the hosts to put full-back Carr over for a fifth-minute try.
However, Brian Walsh's men got back level at 5-5 shortly after the break when centre Gleeson crossed the whitewash. Stringer did likewise a few minutes later as Con, last season's beaten finalists, began to hit form.
Jeremy Manning converted Stringer's try and the New Zealand-born number 10 fired over a drop goal (62 minutes) and penalty (72) to seal what turned out to be a comfortable Con win.
Scorers: Cork Constitution: Tries: Tom Gleeson, John Stringer; Con: Jeremy Manning; Pen: Jeremy Manning; Drop: Jeremy Manning
Blackrock: Try: Fionn Carr
HT: Cork Constitution 0 Blackrock College 5
