Senior Rugby Round-Up

Garryowen’s 39-10 away win over Corinthians sees them back in the promotion places in Division 1B of the Ulster Bank League as Dolphin’s revival in division 1A continues.

Tries from Alex Wootton, Andrew O'Byrne, John Mark Griffin, Shane Buckley, Ed Rossiter and Jamie Glynn helped Garryowen back into second place in Division 1B of the Ulster Bank League and a point behind leaders Galwegians with six games remaining; Jamie Gavin kicked three conversions and three penalties.

Galwegians got back to winning ways thanks to a penalty by replacement Conor Lowndes six minutes from the end at Thomond Park for an 18-15 victory over U.L. Bohemian.

The home side led 12-10 at half-time with tries by man of the match, Jack O’Donoghue, who raced over from the 22 after fifteen minutes and Darren Moroney, who rounded off a good passing movement after thirty minutes. Shane Airey converted the first of the tries.

Jerome Harrigate had the 'Wegians first half try, after a flowing three-quarter line movement, which was converted by John Clery who also kicked a penalty to open the scoring after three minutes.

Doran McHugh had a second half try for 'Wegians but it was 15-15 when Robbie Bourke kicked a penalty for the home side who had to be content with a losing bonus point when Lowndes kicked the winner.

Shannon slipped back into the relegation battle after their 25-7 away defeat by Buccaneers. Shane Mullally scored a second half try for Shannon which Ronan McKenna converted. Buccaneers led 10-0 at half-time.

In Division 1A; Dolphin recorded their second successive win with a surprising 34-15 home win over U.C.D. A try by Ken O’Halloran and a conversion and two penalties by Rory Scannell gave Dolphin a 13-7 half-time lead. Two super tries by Scannell and one by prop Peter McCabe all converted by Scannell gave Dolphin their first bonus point win of the season.

Cork Constitution’s hopes of a top four finish received a set back at Ballymacarn Park, when Ballynahinch came from 13-10 down at the interval to win 34-13. A try from Gerry Hurley and a conversion and two penalties by Tomás Quinlan had the visitors ahead at the break. With the aid of the strong wind in the second half, there was only one side in it as Ballynahinch totally dominated play.

Terenure College got back to winning ways and also picked up a four try bonus point thanks to their 22-21 win against Young Munster at Clifford Park.

Young Munster had to settle for a losing bonus point but they squandered a nine point lead built up inside thirteen minutes thanks to the boot of Gearoid Lyons.

He landed his first after only three minutes when Terenure were penalised for not releasing and four minutes later the visitors were again penalised and Lyons made no mistake.

Lyons completed his hat-trick when 'Nure went in from the side but the visitors finally got off the mark after 23 minutes when Robbie Smith had a try which Mart O'Neill converted.

Worse followed for Young Munster when Graham Coffey and Stephen O'Neill had tries for Terenure after 38 and 40 minutes.

Hooker Ger Slattery got in for a Young Munster try following a ruck after 49 minutes and he had a second try, following a line-out, after 59 minutes which Lyons converted to have the home side 21-17 in front.

But Terenure were determined not to draw a second half blank and they finally got the crucial try when Harry Moore won the race to touchdown following a kick ahead to give the visitors the win.

Results:
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Ballynahinch 34, Cork Constitution 13;
Clontarf 0, Lansdowne 35;
Dolphin 34, U.C.D. 15;
St Mary's College 13, Old Belvedere 9;
Young Munster 21, Terenure College 22;

Division 1B: Belfast Harlequins 32, Malone 12;
Buccaneers 25, Shannon 7;
Corinthians 10, Garryowen 39;
Dublin University 18, Ballymena 16;
U.L. Bohemian 15, Galwegians 18;

Senior Friendly: U.C.C. 3, Cashel 29;