Friday Night Rugby

A big night of Friday rugby across the Province as Cork Constitution clinched top spot in Division 1A of the All Ireland League, Young Munster eased their relegation worries and Cashel moved another step closer to finishing runners up in Division 2A.

At Temple Hill Cork Constitution defeated U.C.C. 37-19 to ensure top spot and a home semi-final tie in the play offs. They fell behind to a James Taylor penalty after six minutes but two tries from Liam O’Connell and one by Shane Daly gave the hosts a 22-9 half time lead. Aidan Moynihan added two conversions and a penalty and Taylor added two further penalties for the students.

Taylor and Moynihan exchanged penalties, before tries from Brian Hayes and Richard Cassidy and a Moynihan conversion had Con’ ahead 37-12. College were awarded a penalty try late in the game.

Young Munster eased their relegation worries with a convincing 33-7 bonus point win over Shannon at a packed Tom Clifford Park. Tries from Ger Slattery and Dan Walsh both converted by Shane Airey gave Young Munster a 14-0 lead. Nathan Randles kept Shannon in the game with a try which Ben Daly converted just before half time.

Further tries from Alan Kennedy, Walsh and Derek Corcoran, two of which Airey converted secured the points and for Shannon it is a must win game at home to Cork Constitution next week if they are to have any hope of avoiding relegation.

Cashel closed in on the runners up spot in Division 2A with a 33-12 home win over Old Crescent. Liam Caddy scored two tries for Cashel and James Ryan, Darragh Lyons and Jonty Rae got one each with Rae adding four conversions. Tabitha Toia and Cathal Monaghan replied with tries for Crescent and Kevin Meade converted one.

RESULTS:

All Ireland League Division 1A: Cork Constitution 37, U.C.C. 19;

U.C.D. 12, Dublin University 18;

Young Munster 33, Shannon 7;

Division 2A: Cashel 33, Old Crescent 12;