All Ireland League Roundup

Shannon defeated Dolphin to move to within a point of the leaders in Division 1B of the All Ireland League, while Dolphin were relegated to Division 2A next season.

At Irish Independent Park, Shannon were made battle all the way by a gallant Dolphin side before winning 29-17.

Dolphin went into this needing fourteen points from their last three games if they were to avoid the drop. Despite dominating the game territorially in the opening half they trailed 14-10 at the interval.

Kelvin Browne scored two tries for Shannon and Ty Chan and Will Leonard got one each. Conor Fitzgerald converted three of the tries and also added a penalty. Dave Byrne and Daryl Foley scored Tries for Dolphin and Barry Keeshan converted both and also kicked a penalty.

At the Mardyke U.C.C. lost at home to Naas 36-31 and still require another two points to be sure of a place in the play offs. Paul Kiernan, Darragh Moloney, Cian Bohane and Brian O’Mahony scored tries for College and James Taylor converted all four tries and also added a penalty.

Highfield moved to within seven points of Division 2A leaders Malone with two games remaining after 15-12 home win over Greystones. Luke Kingston and Paul Stack scored tries for Highfield and Paddy O’Toole kicked a conversion and a penalty.

Nenagh Ormond have moved into third place following their 15-13 home win against bottom side Corinthians. John Coffey scored a try for Nenagh who were also awarded a penalty try. Clayton Stewart also added a penalty.

A young Sunday’s Well travelled to bottom side City of Derry side in division 2B and defeated them 15-8. Ian Murphy, Eoin Geary and Kieran Stokes scored tries for the Well.

Midleton eased their relegation worries with a 38-13 home win against bottom side Bective Rangers in Division 2C. Midleton are not safe from relegation but performances like this in their last two games could gain a promotion playoff place.

Stuart Lee was Midleton’s hero scoring two tries, three conversions and four penalties. Michael Cronin and Liam Hogan were Midleton’s other try scorers.

RESULTS:

All Ireland League Division 1B: Dolphin 17, Shannon 29;

U.C.C. 31, Naas 36;

Division 2A: City of Armagh 54, Blackrock College 24;

Highfield 15, Greystones 12;

Nenagh Ormond 15, Corinthians 13;

Division 2B: Belfast Harlequins 56, Skerries 24;

City of Derry 8, Sunday’s Well 15;

Division 2C: Midleton 38, Bective Rangers 13;