All Ireland League Roundup

7th January 2023 By Leonard Allen

All the outstanding games postponed before Christmas in the All Ireland League all went ahead this weekend, with only one of the seven Munster clubs involved losing.

The meeting of third-placed Dublin University and fourth-placed Cork Constitution in Division 1A turned out to be a thriller at College Park, where the sides shared the spoils after playing out a 35-35 draw. James Murphy scored two tries for Cork Constitution, Billy Crowley, Max Abbott, and Mark Stafford were their other try scorers. Aidan Moynihan converted all five tries.

In Division 1B Highfield got themselves back in the play-off places after a win at Templeville Road, with a 34-14 win over third-placed St. Mary’s College. The Cork side led 17-0 at halftime and had tries from James Taylor, Sean French, Richard Cassidy, Cian Bohane and, Colin O’Neill. Taylor kicked three conversions and one penalty.

The top-of-the-table clash in Division 2A saw leaders Blackrock College being held by Cashel 17-17 at the Tipperary venue. Josh Pickering and Niall Fitzgerald scored tries for Cashel. Ryan O’Sullivan converted both of them and also added a penalty.

Nenagh Ormond moved up to fifth place, level on points with fourth-placed M.U. Barnhall after their 31-15 home win against Navan. David Gleeson scored two tries for Nenagh, and Conor McMahon, James Finn, and Rob Buckley also scored tries. McMahon kicked three conversions.

Bottom side UL Bohemian picked up four valuable points in their 20-17 win over MU Barnhall at the UL Arena. Kieran O’Shea scored two tries for the Limerick side and James Burton got one. Harry Byrne kicked a conversion and a penalty.

Bruff won the Munster derby in Division 2C with a 24-17 away bonus point win at Midleton. Tom Quigley, Jack O’Grady, Cillian Rea, and Paul Collins were the Bruff try scorers, and Collins kicked two conversions. Conor Walsh, Jack Corbert and Denis Broderick replied with tries for Midleton. Stuart Lee added a conversion and a penalty.

Results:

All Ireland League Division 1A:Ballynahinch 31, U.C.D. 25;

Dublin University 35, Cork Constitution 35;

Division 1B:Banbridge 26, Old Wesley 36;

Malone 11, City of Armagh 13;

St. Mary’s College 14, Highfield 34;

Division 2A:Ballymena 12, Quens University 26;

Cashel 17, Blackrock College 17;

Nenagh Ormond 31, Navan 15;

U.L. Bohemian 20, M.U. Barnhall 17;

Division 2B:Belfast Harlequins 19, Malahide 19;

Dungannon 19, Rainey Old Boys 21;