Senior Rugby Round-Up

It was a disappointing day for Munster clubs in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League as all three sides lost, while Garryowen kept their promotion hopes alive with a last gasp win at Dooradoyle in Division 1B.

St. Mary’s College did their survival hopes in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League a power of good with a surprising 15-13 win over Cork Constitution at Temple Hill.

Having trailed 10-3 at half time Con rallied in the second half and were a awarded a penalty try which Tomás Quinlan converted and also added two penalties to put Con 13-10 in front. A try from Ryan O’Loughlin midway through the half secured the points for the visitors.

Young Munster have been dragged into the relegation battle after their 38-18 defeat by Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road. Ben Kilkenny, Sean Duggan and Darren Gallagher scored tries for the Limerick side and Gearoid Lyons kicked a penalty.

Dolphin’s recent revival came to an end at Lakelands Park, when they lost to Terenure 31-18.

Lack of concentration proved costly for Dolphin, as they conceded tries immediately after scoring. John Quill and Kevin Keane scored tries for Dolphin and Rory Scannell kicked two penalties and a conversion. The loss means Dolphin remain bottom of the table.

Second placed Garryowen had a major scare in Division 1B before they finally beat Belfast Harlequins 17-16 at Dooradoyle.

A penalty try, awarded in the final minute, which Jamie Gavin converted, gave the home side a win they scarcely deserved.

It came as Garryowen launched a final bid and with a player already in the sin bin the visitors had been warned not to offend. When they did the try was awarded and Jamie Gavin popped over the conversion.

On a day not suited to place kicking Gavin, normally ultra reliable, was off target five times.

The visitors swept into an 11-0 lead and matters looked very ominous for Garryowen. Prop Ben Rowley kept Garryowen's prospects alive when he got in for a try after 33 minutes.

Shane Buckley's try closed the gap to a point but Harlequin’s prop David McMaster looked to have secured a surprise win for Quins until the late drama and penalty try.

A penalty by David O'Donovan got Shannon back to winning ways at Coonagh as they defeated Corinthians 15-12.

Lee Nicholas had the home side in front with a try which O'Donovan converted, but Corinthians hit back with a converted try to tie up the scores 7-7.

A 41st minute try by Dave Evans had Shannon back in front but a second Corinthians try had the sides level again until O’Donovan’s late strike decided the game.

U.L. Bohemian were over whelmed at Eaton Park as they lost to Ballymena 33-10 and remain bottom in Division 1B. Tim Rafferty and Kevin O’Byrne scored tries for the visitors

Cashel kept their outside hopes of promotion from Division 2A alive with a 9-3 home win over Thomond at Spafield.

Nenagh Ormond put up a credible performance away to leaders Old Wesley before going down 17-15.

Tries from Killian Ansboro, Cillian Monahan and Gerry Ryan gave UCC a 19-5 lead after twenty minutes, but the students were unable to sustain the pressures as Banbridge ran out 24-22 winners at the Mardyke.

Highfield maintained their unbeaten run in Division 2B with a 32-5 win away to Midleton. Martin Gately, Brian O’Hea, Paul Stack and Tim Clifford scored tries for Highfield and Paddy O’Toole kicked three conversions and two penalties.

Bruff defeated Old Crescent 5-3 under the lights at Kilballyowen Park on Friday night. Mark Cosgrave scored a try for Bruff and Shane O’Brien replied with a penalty for Old Crescent.

Richmond lost their big relegation clash at home to Boyne 16-3.


RESULTS:
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Cork Constitution 13, St Mary's College 15;
Lansdowne 39, Ballynahinch 18;
Old Belvedere 38, Young Munster 18;
Terenure College 31, Dolphin 18;
U.C.D. 17, Clontarf 38;

Division 1B: Ballymena 33, U.L. Bohemian 10;
Galwegians 12, Buccaneers 6;
Garryowen 17, Belfast Harlequins 16;
Malone 14, Dublin University 41;
Shannon 15, Corinthians 12;

Division 2A: Blackrock College 24, Rainey Old Boys 3;
Cashel 9, Thomond 3;
City of Derry 36, Bective Rangers 0;
Old Wesley 17, Nenagh Ormond 15;
Queens University 39, Dungannon 14;
Seapoint 3, Naas 14;
Skerries 32, N.U.I.M. Barnhall 8;
U.C.C. 22, Banbridge 24;

Division 2B: Bruff 5, Old Crescent 3;
D.L.S.P. 12, City of Armagh 17;
Midleton 5, Highfield 32;
Richmond 3, Boyne 16;
Sligo v Navan Postponed;
Tullamore 29, Greystones 19;
Wanderers 50, Ards 0;