Shannon 35, Sunday’s Well 19

Sunday’s Well were drawn a tough fixture to open their Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup campaign as they had to travel to a strong Shannon outfit. The ‘Well side; with numerous key players put in a strong effort – particularly in the second-half where they threatened a big come-back.

Shannon got off to a flying start, with plenty of top division experience in the AIL. They ran in three tries before Damian Kozik responded for the ‘Well, but another try for the Limerick side; all converted left the half-time score at 28-5 in favour of the hosts.

However; the ‘Well showed great temperament and spirit and played a great amount of rugby in the second-half. The pack battled hard with Kozik and Mike McCarthy putting in big efforts. Logan Henry and Alex Lane helped mount several attacks and a pair of tries midway through the half by Gary Downey and Bobby Smith, both converted by Logan Henry made it a 28-19 game.

The ‘Well continued to press hard but robust Shannon defence kept them at bay and the hosts finished off the game with a fifth try to put some gloss on the scoreboard.

The final home League game of the season will see the ‘Well look to push for a top four finish as they host rivals Thurles. Kick-off is at 4pm on Saturday.

Scorers: Shannon: David Smith, Scott Gleeson, Mark Maloney, Alan Flannery, Matt Burke tries; Cillian O’Connor 5 cons.

Sunday’s Well: Damian Kozik, Gary Downey, Bobby Smith tries; Logan Henry 2 cons.

Shannon: Richard Mullane; David Smith, Paul Curtis, Alan Flannery, Paddy Hassett; Cillian O’Connor, Mark Maloney; Nathan Walsh, Shane Carew, Matt Burke; Ciaran Vaughan, Jade Kriel; Will Bright, Scott Glesson, Darren Ferrar.

Sunday’s Well: Bobby Smith; Cathal Quinn, Jamie O’Leayr, Alex Lane, Gary Downey; Logan Henry, Daniel Courtney; Mike McCarthy, Kieran Stokes, Evan O’Connell; Kevin Holland, Shane O’Neill; James Mulcahy, Damian Kozik, Finn MacFhlannchadha. Replacements:  Ian Murphy, Adam Browne, Mark Kelly, Rob Egar, Harry McHenry.