Limerick Sides Avoid Relegation

Bruff defeated Bective Rangers and Old Crescent edged out Banbridge as both Limerick sides retained their current status in the Ulster Bank League for next season.

Bruff 25, Bective Rangers 12.
Bruff completed a memorable season with victory over Second Division side Bective Rangers at Kilballyowen Park to retain their Division 1B status following their ODM Munster Senior Cup and Bateman All Ireland Senior Cup victories earlier in the season.

In a closely fought opening half Bruff led 15-12 at half time with tries from Eoin Cahill and John Malone and a conversion and penalty by Tony Cahill. Gearoid O’Grady kicked four penalties for the Donnybrook side.

Bruff dominated the second half and a third try from John Shine and a conversion and penalty by Tony Cahill ensured safety for the county Limerick side.
Scorers Bruff: Eoin Cahill, John Malone, John Shine tries, Tony Cahill 2 cons, 2 pens.
Bective Rangers: Gearoid O’Grady 4 pens.

Old Crescent 16, Banbridge 15.
A drop goal by Anthony Barry two minutes from time ensured Old Crescent will be playing in Division 2A of the Ulster Bank League next season after their narrow one point win over Third Division side Banbridge at Rosbrien.

Old Crescent who trailed 15-3 after thirty minutes looked doomed to Division 2B next season but showed great spirit to earn victory.

Lemeki Viapulo scored the Limerick side’s only try and Fergal Lawlor kicked a conversion and two penalties until Barry’s late strike.

Scorers Old Crescent: Lemeki Viapulo try, Fergal Lawlor con, 2 pens, Anthony Barry drp gl.
Banbridge: Robin Thompson try, con, Pen, J Murphy try.