AIL Roundup

It was a good day for the Munster clubs in Division 1 of the AIB All Ireland League as all sides won with the Munster derby tie between Garryowen and Dolphin being postponed due to the weather.

Bottom side U.L. Bohemian inflicted the first defeat of the season on leaders St. Mary’s College in an exciting game at Thomond Park. The lead changed hands on several occasions. A try by Danny Riordan converted by Fergal Lawler gave the home side an early lead. Two tries by Robin Copeland and a conversion by Gavin Dunne had the visitors 12-10 ahead at the break; Lawler kicked a penalty for the home side.
Dunne increased Mary’s lead with a penalty but a second try from Riordan which Lawler converted had the Limerick side two points in front. Fanning restored Mary’s lead with a try but a great finish by U.L. yielded a try from Ed Torrie and a conversion and penalty by Lawler to give the home side their first win of the campaign.

Second placed Blackrock College also came unstuck at Stradbrook as Shannon bounced back from last week’s cup defeat to record a 21-15 victory. Two first half tries by Shannon winger Stephen Kelly helped the Limerick side to victory with Tadhg Bennett kicking a conversion, penalty and drop goal and Felix Jones also adding a drop goal.

Scot Deasy was Cork Constitution’s hero in their 21-18 win over Clontarf. He contributed a try, conversion and three penalties to his side’s tally with Richard Lane also getting on the score sheet with a try.

In Division 1B Young Munster made up for last week’s defeat by Ballymena in the Cup when they defeated the Ulster side 16-3 at Clifford Park. A try and penalty by Ray Moloney and a Matt Costelloe penalty had the home side 11-3 ahead at the break. Shane Hassett made sure of the points with a late try for Munsters.

U.C.C. defeated bottom side Ballynahinch 15-6 at Ballymacarn Park to move to within four points of the leaders Old Belvedere. A try by Ivan Dineen and a Colin Crowley penalty had the students 8-6 ahead at half time. Crowley added another try which he also converted after the interval.

Thomond lost valuable ground in their promotion push when they lost away to struggling Malone 10-5 at Gibson Park. Daragh O’Neill was the Limerick side’s try scorer.

Bruff kept up their challenge with a 14-10 away win over Belfast Harlequins. Cathal O’Regan scored a try for the visitors and Brian Cahill kicked three penalties.

Old Crescent recorded their first win of the campaign with a narrow 17-16 victory over Terenure College at Rosbrien. Shane Spring scored a try for the winners and Mark Woods kicked four penalties.

It was a disappointing day for the two Cork sides as both lost. Highfield left a 12-0 half time lead slip at Woodleigh Park when they went down to DLSP 22-12. Mike Bayssat and Dave O’Hea were try scorers for Highfield and Colin Mahony kicked a conversion.

Two penalties by Dave Lombard were not enough for Clonakilty as they lost 13-6 to UCD at Belfield.

Midleton remain on top in the Third Division after their top of the table 21-7 win over Instonians at Shaws Bridge. The east Cork side scored three tries in the opening half with David Lee getting two and Jeff Hitchmough one. Hitchmough converted all three but the visitors were unable to add another try to secure a bonus point.

Nenagh Ormond moved into third place after their 28-22 home win over Banbridge. Keith Quigley, Trevor Connelly, Ger Harmse and John Coffey scored tries for the winners and David Delaney kicked two penalties and a conversion.

Sunday’s Well won their mid table clash with Suttonians at Musgrave Park to move into the top half of the table after their 23-6 victory. Tom Parker and Eamon Murphy were try scorers for the winners and Eamon Ronan converted both and also added three penalties.

RESULTS:
AIB League Division 1A: Blackrock College 15,Shannon Cork Constitution 21,Clontarf 18;
Garryowen v Dolphin Off U.L. Bohemian 25,St. Mary’s College 20;