Senior Rugby Round-Up.
29th March 2015 By Munster Rugby
It was a great day for Limerick clubs in Division 1A and 1B of the Ulster Bank League, as Dolphin were relegated from Division 1A.
Young Munster who started the day still not clear of relegation from Division 1A, are now in a challenging place for a play-off place after their 18-13 home win over St. Mary’s College.
A penalty from Willie Staunton and a Sean Rennison try gave Munster’s an 8-7 half time lead.
Second half tries from Kolio Hifo and Diarmaid McCarthy earned the home side the points but a penalty from Cathal Marsh seven minutes from time ensured Mary’s would not be automatically relegated.
Despite a blistering opening four minutes which saw Dolphin race into a 14-0 lead with tries from Will Hanley and Niall Scannell, both converted by Rory Scannell the Cork side were beaten 35-28 by Ballynahinch and as a result will be playing in Division 1B next season.
A try from Eamon Mills converted by Niall Scannell gave Dolphin a 21-11 interval lead. The home side conceded two tries in the opening minutes of the second half and despite a fourth try from John Madigan
Cork Constitution’s playoff hopes received a major setback at Castle Avenue when they lost to Clontarf 43-28. Cathal O’Flaherty scored two tries for Cork Constitution and Rob Jermyn and Ned Hodson got one each. Tomas Quinlan kicked a conversion, a penalty and a drop goal.
Garryowen have moved to the top of Division 1B after their 34-12 win over Malone at Dooradoyle.
JP Cooney and Aaron McCloskey scored first half tries for Garryowen who led 15-7 at the break with Jamie Gavin adding a conversion and a penalty.
Garryowen’s forward power proved decisive in the second half as Josh Hrstich got two tries and Ed Rossiter one with Gavin adding two conversions.
A try in the opening half from Ritchie Mullane saw the home side trail 6-5 at half time. A try from Niall Horan and a conversion and two penalties by Tadhg Bennett ensured victory for the home side.
U.L. Bohemian’s 32-0 win over Buccaneers at Dubarry Park also ensured their place in Division 1B next season.
Rory White, Colin Ryan, Darren Moroney, Mossy Lawler and Robbie Bourke scored tries for the Limerick side. David Johnston kicked two conversions and a penalty.
In Division 2A Blackrock College took another step towards promotion with a 15-3 home win over Cashel.
Thomond had a 47-24 away win over Bective Rangers at Donnybrook.
The other two Munster sides in this Division are still not clear of relegation despite away wins. U.C.C. travelled to Derry and defeated the home side 21-20. Nenagh Ormond beat NUIM Barnhall 24-11.
Highfield maintained their unbeaten record in Division 2B with a 30-8 home win over second placed Tullamore.
Timmy Ryan, Miah Cronin, Chris Bannon and Ben Murphy scored tries for Highfield and Paddy O’Toole kicked two conversions and two penalties.
Sunday’s Well kept their promotion hopes alive with a 55-0 away win over bottom side Ards. Sean Kingston, John Moynihan and Alex O’Neill each scored two tries and James Mulcahy and Cyprian Jouve got one each. They were also awarded a penalty try and Shane O’Riordan kicked five conversions.
Midleton’s promotion hopes ended after they drew 17-17 with DLSP at the Towns Park. Diarmuid O’Sullivan scored two tries and Jay Cruickshank got one for Midleton with Paul Daly kicking one conversion.
Despite trailing 21-0 at half time Kanturk rallied to lead 24-21 with two tries from Mark Healy and Kealan Buckley and Ronan O’Brien got one apiece. Healy kicked two conversions but a last minute try saw Sligo steal the points on a 26-24 scoreline.
Both Limerick sides lost on the road. Boyne defeated Old Crescent 26-0 and Richmond were beaten by City of Armagh 22-3.
Results:
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Clontarf 43, Cork Constitution 28;
Dolphin 28, Ballynahinch 35;
Terenure College 20, Lansdowne 29;
U.C.D. 20, Old Belvedere 23;
Young Munster 18, St Mary's College 13;
Division 1B: Belfast Harlequins 36, Galwegians 34;
Buccaneers 0, U.L. Bohemian 32;
Corinthians 11, Dublin University 32;
Garryowen 34, Malone 12;
Shannon 18, Ballymena 11;
Division 2A: Bective Rangers 24, Thomond 47;
Blackrock College 15, Cashel 3;
City of Derry 20, U.C.C. 21;
N.U.I.M. Barnhall 11, Nenagh Ormond 24;
Naas 26, Banbridge 19;
Old Wesley 43, Seapoint 3;
Rainey Old Boys 27, Dungannon 10;
Skerries 41, Queens University 40;
Division 2B: Ards 0, Sunday's Well 55;
Boyne 26, Old Crescent 0;
City of Armagh 22, Richmond 3;
Greystones 32, Bruff 15;
Highfield 30, Tullamore 8;
Kanturk 24, Sligo 26;
Midleton 17, D.L.S.P. 17;
Navan 27, Wanderers 21;
