Saturday Senior Rugby Roundup

It was a good day for Cork clubs Cork Constitution, Dolphin and Sunday’s Well as all three won vital games.

Cork Constitution who started in third place in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League knew they at least needed a bonus point win if they were to finish in second ahead of Young Munster.

This they achieved at Temple Hill with a 26-16 win over Galwegians a result that saw the Connacht side being relegated to Division1B next season.

The score that saw Con’ go second and relegate Galwegians was an intercept try by Niall Kenneally in the last play of the game.

Galwegians had dominated for long periods but tries at crucial stages by skipper James Ryan, Max Abbott and Aaron Spring and three conversions by Tomas Quinlan earned Con’ the victory.

Young Munster defeated Lansdowne 22-3 at Clifford Park and as a result of their failure to pick up a bonus point win, they must now travel to Cork Constitution next Saturday in the Division 1A playoffs.

Young Munster led 10-3 at half time with a try from Dan Goggin and a conversion and a penalty by Gearoid Lyons.

Young Munster had to rely on a powerful last ten minutes during which they scored tries by Jack Harrington and Lyons rounded off his successful afternoon with a try following a superb passing movement which he also converted.

Ballynahinch produced a superb performance at home to Garryowen winning 59-3 to avoid automatic relegation. They led 14-0 at half time and scored nine tries with James McInerney getting Garryowen’s try.

In Division 1B all three Munster sides won and thus avoided the relegation play off place.

Shannon rounded off their campaign with a comfortable 23-12 win at Thomond Park against Buccaneers, and a try described as one of the best of the season by Greg O'Shea highlighted their performance.
Shane Mullally and Frank Bradshaw-Ryan also had tries with Tadgh Bennett in good kicking form with a penalty, a drop goal and a conversion.

U.L. Bohemian defeated Old Wesley 24-23 at Donnybrook. The Robins led 13-3 at half time and had tries Rory White and Philip Poillot. Rick McKenna kicked four penalties and a conversion.

Dolphin finished their campaign with a 29-8 win over champions St. Mary’s College at Irish Independent Park.
They led 13-3 at half time with a try from Rob O’Sullivan and a conversion and two penalties by Barry Keeshan. Ryan Murphy scored a second try for the winners and Keeshan converted and added three more penalties.

In the Division 2B playoffs Sunday’s Well recorded a 21-10 away victory over City of Derry. The visitors led 18-3 at half time with tries from Michael and John Moynihan and Greg Higgins. Shane O’Riordan kicked a penalty in each half.

A late rally by Tullamore saw them defeat Bruff 23-21 in the Division 2B playoffs.
Tony Cahill and Darragh Mulcahy scored tries for the Limerick side and Declan Barron kicked three penalties and a conversion.

RESULTS:
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Ballynahinch 59, Garryowen 5;
Clontarf 25, UCD 12;
Cork Constitution 26, Galwegians 16;
Terenure College 36, Old Belvedere 14;
Young Munster 22, Lansdowne 3;

Division 1B: Belfast Harlequins 36, Ballymena 26;
Dolphin 29, St. Mary's College 8;
Dublin University 55, Blackrock College 21;
Old Wesley 23, UL Bohemian 24;
Shannon 23, Buccaneers 12;

Division 2B Promotion Playoffs: City of Derry 10, Sunday's Well 21;
Skerries 30, Greystones 32;

Division 2C Promotion Playoffs: Rainey Old Boys 24, Wanderers 28;
Tullamore 23, Bruff 21;