Big three continue winning starts to season

Before their home fixture at Stradbrook against Highfield, Blackrock were the only team in the league to keep the opposition scoreless.

But the visitors started brightly, applying all the early pressure. After Norita Duggan missed a penalty for the Cork side, Blackrock kicked deep into Highfield's half.

This led to great interplay from the hosts' backs and forwards, before wing Clodagh Dunne scored in the corner after 27 minutes. A penalty from inside centre Jeamie Deacon followed.

Blackrock's confidence continued to grow as they managed a great steal from the Highfield line out. Some great play between Dunne and former Canadian international Jess Belchos led to full-back Aoife Tyrell scoring a try to the right of the posts with just four minutes remaining in the first half.

After the interval the two sides cancelled each other out until Highfield tight-head prop Leah Lyons was yellow carded by referee Paul Dunphy with just under 10 minutes to go.

Ireland international Tania Rosser, playing at out-half, showed her immense class as she put Dunne in position for her second try. Just three minutes later, she dotted down for a hat-trick.

In Sandymount's Park Avenue, Railway Union continued their bright start to life in Division 1A after winning a physical clash against a dogged Galwegians, with both sides scoring three tries.

Old Belvedere dazzled as they ran out 84-0 winners against Tralee at Anglesea Road.

The defending champions scored 14 tries including a brace from one of Ireland World Cup stars Sophie Spence. Wing Janice Daly, who impressed through the early AIL rounds, also scored two tries.

In Limerick's Annacotty, UL Bohemians were the only non-Dublin side to win this weekend after beating St Mary's 8-0.