Club Rugby Round-Up

Young Munster won the big relegation battle in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League against Dolphin, while Highfield’s home win over Sligo sees them getting promoted.

Young Munster earned a precious bonus point thanks to a 78th minute try by Ger Slattery when they came from behind to beat bottom club Dolphin 24-9 at Tom Clifford Park.

The Cork side had the benefit of the strong wind in the first half and they made the perfect start with two long range penalties by Rory Scannell.

Young Munster had the game’s opening try when Rob Guerin touched down.

When Scannell was high tackled he slotted over his third penalty but a try by Darren Gallagher, this time converted by Willy Staunton, had Young Munster back in front.

Dolphin's second row, Chris Rowe, was sin binned after 38 minutes and just on half time Young Munster had a third try, this time by Kolio Hifo to leave it 17-9 at the break.

Dolphin almost got in for a try but Rob Rearden was brought down near the line and the visitors suffered another blow after 71 minutes when prop James Rochford was sin binned.

It was all about the bonus point at this stage but Young Munster had to wait until the end when Slattery touched down and Staunton converted.

Cork Constitution’s top four hopes received a set back at Temple Hill, when they lost 20-8 to Terenure College. Darren Sweetnam scored a try for the home side and Tomas Quinlan added a penalty after the interval.

Dublin University came from 0-6 behind at half-time to maintain their challenge for promotion from Division 1B with a 19-13 win over Shannon at Coonagh.

Hooker Richie Halpin had the visitors opening try after 48 minutes and others followed from Tom Ryan and Chris Kearns who also kicked two conversions.

Jason Cronin had Shannon's try and they had two penalties and a conversion by Ronan McKenna to earn a losing bonus point.

In Division 2A Cashel moved up to fifth place with a 19-6 away win over Seapoint.

Thomond got back to winning ways with a 17-13 away win over NUIM Barnhall.

Nenagh Ormond are in the relegation places after their 29-15 away defeat by Blackrock College.

In Division 2B, Highfield made sure of promotion with a 43-10 home win over Sligo. Paddy O’Toole scored a try and four conversions for the winners and Martin Gately, Paul Stack, Ben Murphy, Dave Kelly, Kevin Foyle and Peter Martin each scored tries.

Midleton kept their promotion hopes alive with a last minute penalty from Eoin Philpott to beat Tullamore 9-7. Paul Daly kicked two first half penalties for Midleton who led 6-0 at half time.

Sunday’s Well kept their promotion chances alive with a bonus point 32-13 away win over DLSP. Cathal Quinn scored two tries for the ‘Well and John Moynihan and Ross O’Mahony were their other try scorers. Shane O’Riordan kicked two penalties and three conversions.

Bruff kept their outside chance of promotion alive with a 7-3 away win over City of Armagh. Sean Darcy was Bruff’s try scorer.

Kanturk defeated Old Crescent 30-10 in a Munster derby at Knocknacolan. Sean Cremin and Luke McCabe each scored two tries for the winners and Mark Healy also scored a try and kicked a conversion and a penalty.

Shane O’Brien replied with a try for the Limerick side and Shane Monaghan converted and also added a penalty.

Richmond eased their relegation worries with a 24-3 away win over Ards which included two penalty tries.

Of the three Junior games scheduled only one was played and that saw Old Christians defeat Mallow 9-5 to book a Third round tie away to Shannon in the Munster Junior Cup. Sean Meaney kicked three penalties for the winners and Tom Gardner had a late try for Mallow.

In the other games Clonmel received a walk over from Bandon in the Junior Cup and the Division 1 League game between Clonakilty and Waterpark was postponed because of the unavailability of a referee.

Results:
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Ballynahinch 18, U.C.D. 16;
Cork Constitution 8, Terenure College 20;
Young Munster 24, Dolphin 9;

Division 1B: Buccaneers 6, Belfast Harlequins 43;
Malone 10, Ballymena 13;
Shannon 13, Dublin University 19;

Division 2A: Blackrock College 29, Nenagh Ormond 15;
Bective Rangers 11, Naas 38;
City of Derry 43, Queens University 0;
N.U.I.M. Barnhall 13, Thomond 17;
Rainey Old Boys 14, Banbridge 15;
Seapoint 6, Cashel 19;
Skerries 24, Dungannon 17;

Division 2B: Ards 3, Richmond 24;
Boyne 21, Wanderers 30;
City of Armagh 3, Bruff 7;
D.L.S.P. 13, Sunday's Well 32;
Greystones 20, Navan 0;
Highfield 43, Sligo 10;
Kanturk 30, Old Crescent 10;
Midleton 9, Tullamore 7;

Munster Junior Cup: Mallow 5, Old Christians 9;