Cork Con Secure Bonus Point In Opener

Top-scoring winger Richie Lane and Munster prop Stephen Archer broke through for those decisive tries, notching a bonus point for Brian Walsh's men in the process.

Lane slotted a fourth minute penalty to move the visitors ahead, but centre Rob Keogh replied with a brace of penalties for Blackrock.

Both sides were reduced to 14 men following sin-binnings for Blackrock winger David Rowan and Peter O'Mahony of Cork Con for an off-the-ball skirmish.

But the loss of former Ireland Under-20 captain O'Mahony failed to deter the Leesiders who were back in front by the 23rd minute, thanks to a second Lane penalty and a Darragh Lyons' try.

Out-half Lyons jinked his way through the Blackrock defence before crashed over the try-line, with good work from prop Martin Gately in the build-up.

Lane missed the conversion and a subsequent penalty kick, and the momentum swung back to Blackrock as center Brendan Macken passed for lock Alex Dunlop to go over unchallenged for 'Rock's opening try.

Keogh's successful conversion edged Blackrock ahead at 13-11, but Cork Con took control before the interval. Team captain Frank Cogan snatched an injury-time try in the right corner, with Lane adding the extras for an 18-13 turnaround.

Blackrock, who won this corresponding fixture 10-3 last season, were five points to the good by the hour mark. Full-back Niall Morris grabbed a try and Keogh landed two more place-kicks.

Morris' 57th-minute effort came after a powerful burst forward from Dunlop, and while Morris had to scoop up a loose pass, he still had enough pace and power to make the line.

The hosts were hoping to give new coach Andy Wood a winning league debut at Stradbrook, but Cork Con had the better of the closing 10 minutes with wily winger Cronan Healy playing a key role. They scored 13 unanswered points during that spell, and tiring 'Rock were out for the count.