AIB All Ireland League Roundup

Lansdowne and Queens University both won their respective Divisions in the AIB All Ireland League, as Midleton clinched promotion from Division Three.

It is a five horse race for the top three positions in Division 1A which would guarantee a play off place.

In the top of the table clash at Templeville Road St. Mary’s College moved into top spot a point ahead of Cork Constitution with a 24-20 victory.
The home side raced into a 14-0 before Scot Deasy opened Constitution’s account with two penalties. Mary’s secured the bonus point with two further tries before a Frank Cogan try and a penalty try both converted by Deasy left four points between the sides with twenty minutes remaining, but the Dublin side held out to take the points.

Shannon’s hopes of a semi final spot received a set back at Coonagh when Clontarf defeated them 32-26. Shannon led 18-10 at half time with tries by Richie Mullane and David Quinlan and two penalties and a conversion by Mossy Lawlor. Mike Essex extended Shannon’s lead with a third try, Clontarf hit back with three tries and Shannon’s only response was a third penalty by Lawlor.

Dolphin defeated Blackrock College 31-13 to move into third place with two tries from Dave Ryan ane each from Sam Cronin and Rob Allen. Paul Hurley kicked a penalty and a conversion, Barry Keeshan added a drop goal and Cormac O’Flynn also kicked a penalty.

U.L. Bohemian kept their hopes of avoiding relegation alive with a 16-13 win over Garryowen at Dooradoyle. Garryowen took the lead with a try from Anthony Kavanagh and Conor Murray converted. U.L. Bohemian led 10-7 at half time with a try from Martin McPhail and a conversion and penalty by Fergal Lawlor. Bohes raced into a 16-7 lead with two penalties from Lawlor and Garryowen’s reply was a penalty by Murray and one by Gerry Hurley.

Young Munster kept up their challenge to top Division 1B with an 18-9 home win over Galwegians. Alan Kingsley and Derek Corcoran scored tries for “The Cookies” and Kingsley kicked a drop goal, penalty and conversion.

A try and two penalties by Sean Scanlon was not enough for U.C.C. who lost away to relegation threatened Buccaneers 18-11.

Bruff only need a point from their two remaining games, at home to Malone and away to Clonakilty, to gain promotion from Division Two after their 19-17 home win over Bective Rangers. Michael Cahill, Andy Cashman and Nigel Riordan scored tries for Bruff and Cahill kicked two conversions.

Greystones are relegated to Division Three after their 22-10 defeat by Corinthians and it will be either Highfield or Old Crescent who will be joining them there.

Highfield currently occupy the second last place after their 19-18 defeat at home by Belfast Harlequins. David Kelly and Paddy Ryan scored tries for the Woodleigh Park side and Brendan Ronan kicked two penalties and a conversion.

Old Crescent are two points ahead of Highfield and have a game in hand at home to champions Lansdowne and their final game is away to Highfield. Old Crescent were beaten 44-3 by Thomond at Fitzgerald Park. Declan Cusack scored a try, three penalties and five conversions. Michael Long, Darragh O’Neill, Ger Finucane and Niall McNamara all scored tries for the home side. Mark Woods replied with a penalty for the Rosbrien outfit.

Keith Morath kicked two penalties fro Clonakilty whose recent winning run came to a halt at The Vale when Terenure College defeated them 35-6.

Midleton secured promotion from the Third Division with a 13-5 home win over Banbridge. Aidan McCarthy and Robert Smith scored tires for the east Cork side and Jeff Hitchmough kicked a penalty.

Nenagh Ormond secured a top four finish with an 11-3 home win over Rainey Old Boys. Stephen Carey scored a try for the Tipperary side and David Delaney kicked two penalties.

Queens University secured the Third Division title with a 34-13 home win over Sunday’s Well. Thomas Parker scored a try for the ‘Well and Eamon Ronan kicked a conversion and two penalties.

Richmond made a disappointing start to the All Ireland Provincial League when they lost at home to Monivea 20-14. Finbarr Hogan and Pat McNamara scored tries for Richmond and Darragh Clancy converted both.

AIB League Division 1A:Dolphin 31,Blackrock College ;
Garryowen 13,U.L. Bohemian 16;
Shannon 26,Clontarf 32;
St. Mary’s College 24,Cork Constitution 20;

Division 1B:Ballymena 15,Dungannon 25;
Buccaneers 18,U.C.C. 11;
Old Belvedere 57,Ballynahinch 38;
Young Munster 18,Galwegians 9;

Division 2:Bruff 19,Bective Rangers 17;
Clonakilty 6,Terenure College 35;
D.L.S.P. 17,Lansdowne 20;
Dublin University 11,Old Wesley 19;
Greystones 10,Corinthians 22;
Highfield 18,Belfast Harlequins 19;
Malone 51,U.C.D. 28;
Thomond 44,Old Crescent 3;

Division 3:Ards 44,Suttonians 11;
Co. Carlow 21,Connemara 25;
Instonians 10,Wanderers 16;
Midleton 13,Banbridge 5;
Naas 20,Barnhall 12;
Navan 16,Portadown 14;
Nenagh Ormond 11,Rainey Old Boys 3;
Queens University 34,Sunday’s Well 13;

All Ireland Provincial League Championship:City of Derry 9,Seaspoint 17;
Richmond 14,Monivea 20;