Cork Con take Bateman Cup
RUGBY UNION: First-half tries from Robert Clune and Scott Deasy proved decisive as Cork Constitution held off a second-half fightback from a Gavin Dunne-inspired St Mary’s College to take the Ulster Bank Bateman Cup with a 24-19 victory at Templeville Road.
Con outhalf Johnny Holland and fullback Dunne had swapped early penalties, but a 21st-minute try from right-wing Clune followed a second three-pointer from Holland. Dunne did chip in with a brace of place kicks either side of Holland’s third of the contest, before a converted effort from Deasy on 39 minutes gave Con a 12-point cushion (21-9) heading into the second period.
This left the Templeogue men with a mountain to climb upon the resumption, but a powerful drive over the Con whitewash eight minutes after the restart from flanker Gareth Austin helped to re-invigorate their challenge. Dunne was on target with the bonus kick that followed, before a superb 40-metre effort from the influential No 15 reduced the deficit to two.
Con’s composure in defence eventually curbed the threat offered by Mary’ after the restart, and an outstanding drop-goal by the excellent Holland helped the Temple Hill outfit to record their fourth All-Ireland Cup triumph and their first since 2010.