All Ireland League Round Up

The All Ireland League has reached the halfway stage with both Cork Constitution and Highfield top in their respective divisions and several Munster clubs still in with a chance of the play-offs in Division 2A and 2C.

Cork Constitution’s unbeaten run came very close to ending at Tom Clifford Park as a late rally by Young Munster came up short as they lost 16-15.

Rob Jermyn gave Con’ an early lead with a try but an Evan Cusack try, conversion and a penalty had the home side 10-5 ahead at half time. A try by Niall Kenneally and a penalty each from Jack Crowley and Gerry Hurley had the visitors 16-10 ahead but a try from Luke Fitzgerald was not enough to earn the home side the points.

Garryowen’s recent run came to an end at Belfield after UCD defeated them 25-24. Tries from Pat O’Toole, Bryan Fitzgerald and Colm Quilligan plus two conversions from Gavin Heuston gave them a 19-8 interval lead. The students rallied after the break and the visitors only reply was a try by Tom Ferguson.

A last minute try at the Mardyke earned Lansdowne a 15-14 victory over UCC. Michael Clune scored a try for College and Eoin Monahan kicked three penalties.

Highfield have extended their lead to seven points at the top of Division 1B after their nearest challengers Old Wesley lost their unbeaten record when Malone defeated them 17-5.

Highfield saw off the challenge of Shannon at Woodleigh Park 19-10 with tries by Ben Murphy and Miah Cronin both converted by Shane O’Riordan to lead 14-0 at the break. Murphy added a second try as Shannon replied with a try by Jamie McGarry and a conversion and a penalty by John Bateman.

Division 2A leaders MU Barnhall were pushed all the way by a gallant Dolphin side to make it 28 wins on the trot after their 24-17 victory. A try from Rob Reardon and a conversion by Daryl Foley plus a penalty try had Dolphin 14-0 ahead after eight minutes. A penalty from Foley midway through the Second half earned Dolphin a losing bonus point enough to move them off the foot of the table.

Cashel remain in third place after their 17-12 home win over U.L. Bohemian. The sides were level 7-7 at half time. James Ryan scored a try for Cashel which Eamonn Connolly converted and Darragh O’Grady replied for the visitors and Harry Byrne converted.

Tries from Niall Fitzgerald and Conor Cashman put Cashel 17-7 ahead before a late try from Jamie Shanahan earned the visitors a losing bonus point.

Old Crescent remain in fourth place after their 11-8 win over Buccaneers at Rosbrien.

Nenagh Ormond have slipped to the foot of the table after their 29-21 defeat by Queens in Belfast. Clayton Stewart and Josh Rowland scored tries for Nenagh and Conor O’Brien converted both. They were also awarded a penalty try.

In Division 2C bottom side Midleton were the only Munster side to win in this division, when they saw off the challenge of City of Derry 18-3. Michael Cronin and Mark Corby scored tries for Midleton and Stuart Lee kicked two penalties and a conversion.

Clonmel remain in fifth place despite losing 21-10 away to Skerries. Dylan Cadogan kicked a penalty and they were also awarded a penalty try.

Sunday’s Well shared the spoils with Omagh Academicals at the Co. Tyrone venue when they played out a 12-12 draw. Brian Derham and Josh Featherstone scored tries and Derham kicked a penalty.

Penalties from Ritchie McAuliffe and Kevin McManus were not enough for Bruff who lost at home to Tullamore 13-6.

RESULTS:

Energia All Ireland League Division 1A: Clontarf 47, Ballynahinch 21;

Terenure College 34, Dublin University 20;

UCC 14, Lansdowne 15;

UCD 25, Garryowen 24;

Young Munster 15, Cork Constitution 16;

Division 1B: Banbridge 43, City of Armagh 18;

Highfield 19, Shannon 10;

Malone 17, Old Wesley 5;

Naas 12, Navan 15;

St. Mary’s College 14, Old Belvedere 13;

Division 2A: Cashel 17, U.L. Bohemian 12;

Dolphin 17, M.U. Barnhall 24;

Old Crescent 11, Buccaneers 8;

Queen’s University 29, Nenagh Ormond 21;

Rainey Old Boys 21, Ballymena 0;

Division 2B: Belfast Harlequins 47, Dungannon 10;

Galway Corinthians 17, Malahide 31;

Greystones 27, Blackrock College 25;

Sligo 19, Ballina 13;

Wanderers 40, Galwegians 12;

Division 2C: Bruff 6, Tullamore 13;

Enniscorthy 34, Bangor 7;

Midleton 18, City of Derry 13;

Omagh Academicals 12, Sunday’s Well 12;

Skerries 21, Clonmel 10;