Senior Rugby Roundup

4th February 2018 By Leonard Allen

UCC defeated Ballymena to move into the play-off places

Garryowen ended Lansdowne’s unbeaten run in Division 1A of the All Ireland League as Shannon slip to second place in Division 1B as do Thomond in Division 2C.

Neil Cronin played a big part in Garryowen’s 24-16 victory over leaders Lansdowne at Dooradoyle. The sides were tied 16-16 at half time. James McInerney scored a try for Garryowen and Neil Cronin kicked a conversion and three penalties. Cronin kicked his fourth penalty before a try from Liam Coombes earned the home side victory.

Cork Constitution remain in second place after their 41-6 home win over Dublin University. Rob Jermyn scored two tries for the winners, Gerry Hurley, Ned Hodson and Ger Sweeney also scored tries as well as being awarded a penalty try. Aidan Moynihan kicked a penalty and two conversions and Liam O’Connell added one conversion.

Young Munster kept their challenge with a 38-26 away win against St. Mary’s College.

Shannon were held to a 15-15 away to Banbridge allowing Ballynahinch to move ahead of them into top spot. Kieran Dunne and Darren Gavin scored tries for Shannon and Conor Fitzgerald kicked a conversion and a penalty.

U.C.C. defeated Ballymena 58-12 to move into the play off places in fourth place.

At the other end of the table U.L. Bohemian moved out of the relegation zone with a 34-19 home win over Old Belvedere. James McNamara, Shane Scannell, James Ryan and Darragh Burke scored tries for UL Bohes. Robbie Bourke kicked a drop goal, penalty and four conversions.

A late penalty try earned Dolphin a 13-13 draw at home to Old Wesley. Barry Keeshan kicked two penalties but Dolphin remain bottom six points behind Ballymena.

Highfield had to rely on a late penalty from Paddy O’Toole to earn them a 15-13 home win over Nenagh Ormond in Division 2A. Timmy Ryan and Paul Stack scored tries for Highfield and O’Toole converted one. David Gleeson replied with a try for Nenagh and Clayton Stewart converted and added two penalties.

Cashel defeated Galway Corinthians 44-3. Padraig Leamy scored two tries, James Ryan, James Kendrick, Josh Pickering and Richard Moran all got one each. They were also awarded a penalty try and Darragh Lyons kicked a penalty and two conversions.

Old Crescent remain top of Division 2B after their 26-20 away win at Skerries. Brendan Guilfoyle scored two tries for the Limerick side and Brian Tuohy and Larry Hanly got one apiece. Ronan McKenna kicked three conversions.

Sunday’s Well had a hard earned 26-22 away win against fellow strugglers Belfast Harlequin. Evan O’Connell and Ryan Buckley scored tries for the ‘Well and Shane O’Riordan kicked four penalties and two conversions.

In Division 2C leaders Thomond lost away to Malahide 15-8 who moved a point ahead of them in the table. Liam Brock scored a try for Thomond and Evan Cusack kicked a penalty.

A late try by Dave Horan earned Bruff a share of the spoils as they were held 10-10 at home to Bangor. Mark Cosgrove scored a first half try for Bruff.

Midleton caused a big shock at home to Sligo winning 35-18 to ease their relegation worries. Aidan Ware, Rian Hogan, Rory Horgan and Michael Cronin scored tries for Midleton. Stuart Lee kicked three penalties and three conversions.

RESULTS:

All Ireland League Division 1A: Buccaneers 20, Terenure College 24;

Clontarf 19, UCD 8;

Cork Constitution 41, Dublin University 6;

Garryowen 24, Lansdowne 16;

St. Mary’s College 26, Young Munster 38;

Division 1B: Banbridge 15, Shannon 15;

Dolphin 13, Old Wesley 13;

Naas 24, Ballynahinch 27;

U.C.C. 58, Ballymena 12;

U.L. Bohemian 34, Old Belvedere 19;

Division 2A: Blackrock College 15, Queens University 14;