THERE were no shocks in the opening round of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup.
The gulf in standards between Division 1A and 2C of the All Ireland League was evident at Tom Clifford Park, as Young Munster defeated Clonmel 64-0.
Ihechi Oji and Hubert Gilvarry each scored two tries for the winners, and Stephen McLoughlin, Kelvin Langan, Jake O’Riordan, Fionn Gibbons, Luke McCready, and Ajae Hanson were the other try scorers.
Langan kicked four conversions and Henry Langbridge three.
Garryowen knocked out last year’s beaten finalists Old Crescent at Takumi Park 29-15.
The Light Blues led 17-3 at half-time and extended their lead to 29-3 after 60 minutes with an intercept try by Andrew Sexton, who raced from his own line to score his side’s fourth try. Gordon Wood, Fionn Rowsome, and Jonathan Byrne were their other try scorers.
Lachlan Stewart kicked three conversions and a penalty. Crescent replied with tries from Daithi Byrnes and Niall Hardiman. Glen Kelly kicked a penalty and Aaron Cosgrove a conversion.
Holders Nenagh Ormond cruised through to the last eight with a 40-17 home win against UL Bohemian.
The shock of the day looked like it was going to be at Kilballyowen Park, as Bruff led Shannon 22-10 entering the final quarter, but the visitors rallied to finish 27-22 winners. Shannon, who trailed 17-10 at the interval with David Smith scoring two tries but late tries from Josh Costelloe (2) and one by Jack O’Donnell along with a Jamie Gavin conversion saw Shannon advance.
Conor Fitzpatrick, Wiktor Wilczuk, and John Bateman were among the Bruff try scorers and Paul Collins kicked a conversion.
Midleton earned a tough 20-15 home victory against Thomond.
In the Transfield Cup, the semi-final line-up is: Garryowen v Shannon and Old Crescent v St Mary’s.
