Ulster Bank League Roundup

The playoff places for all five divisions of the Ulster Bank League were decided after the final series of league games.

The drama of the day was in Division 2C, when Kanturk produced a great performance to defeat Midleton 36-18 in a bonus point win and it looked like they had booked a relegation play off place against the runners up of the All Ireland Provincial League when news came in from Bruff that Boyne had scored a try in the last play of the game and the sideline conversion was enough to send Boyne into the playoffs on points difference and Kanturk were automatically relegated to Junior rugby next season.

Kealon Buckley scored two tries for Kanturk and Ronan O’Brien, Mike Mullaney, Eathon Roycroft and Olan Daly were the other try scorers. Conor Cremin kicked three conversions. Ross O’Mahony, Sean White and Mike Cronin replied with tries for Midleton and Stuart Lee kicked a penalty.

Bruff looked like they were doing Kanturk a favour as they led Boyne 25-18 entering the final stages when Boyne levelled with that last minute converted try. Johnny Clery, Jack O’Grady, Sean D’Arcy and Willie Casey scored tries for Bruff and Tony Cahill added a conversion and a penalty.

There was no change at the top of Division 1A with all four sides winning with bonus point wins.

Young Munster travelled to already relegated Old Belvedere and defeated the Dublin side 33-12 to remain in third place. The Limerick side led 21-0 at the interval. Dan Goggin and Paul Allen each scored two tries and Alan Tynan added a try and four conversions.

Cork Constitution defeated St. Mary’s College 34-27 at Temple Hill but still finished fourth. It was 17-10 to the home side at half time. Ned Hodson (2), Michael Clune (2), Brian Hayes and Conor Kindregan were Con’s try scorers and Tomas Quinlan kicked two conversions.

Lansdowne finished top of the table following their 40-17 home win over Garryowen, a result that sends Garryowen into the Division 1B playoffs. Bailey Faloon and Steve McMahon scored tries for the Light Blues and Neil Cronin kicked two conversions and a penalty.

The pairings for the Division 1A playoffs are Lansdowne v Cork Constitution and Clontarf v Young Munster. Dates and times for these games have yet to be confirmed.

In Division 1B Dolphin caused a surprise to defeat UL Bohemian 16-10 on the 4G pitch in UL. Dolphin led 13-3 at the break with a try from Kevin Allen and a conversion and three Barry Keeshan penalties. James Lennon scored a try, conversion and a penalty for UL Bohes.

Ballymena edged out Shannon 13-10 and as a result it is Dolphin who will play in the Division 2A promotion play offs. Shannon were awarded a penalty try and Ronan McKenna kicked a conversion and a penalty.

UCC’s hopes of making the Division 1B playoffs came unstuck at Donnybrook where Old Wesley defeated them 19-5. Paul Kiernan scored a first half try for the students who trailed 6-5 at half time.

The Division 1B playoffs will both be played on Sunday 23rd April with a 2.30pm kick off. Garryowen v Old Wesley and Naas v UL Bohemian.

Banbridge were crowned Division 2A champions following their 40-12 away win at Irish Independent Park against Sunday’s Well. Chris O’Regan and Conor O’Brien scored tries for the ‘Well and Shane O’Riordan added a conversion.

The ‘Well’s defeat meant Highfield failed to go up as champions after their 31-24 away win in Belfast against Queen’s University. Ben Murphy, Fintan O’Sullivan, Dave O’Hea, Paddy O’Toole and Luke Kingston scored tries for Highfield and O’Toole kicked three conversions.

Nenagh Ormond had to battle all the way for their 42-38 home win over bottom side Belfast Harlequins at the Tipperary venue to finish in third place. Derek Corcoran scored two tries for the winners and John Coffey, Willie Coffey and Conor Muldoon got one each for Nenagh. They were also awarded a penalty try and Clayton Stewart converted all six tries.

Malone booked their place in the playoffs with a 45-15 home win over Cashel. Cody Baker and Kieran Gleeson scored tries for Cashel and Ollie McGlinchey added a conversion and a penalty.

The lineup for the Division 2A playoffs is Highfield v Nenagh Ormond Saturday 22nd April at 1.30pm and on Sunday Dolphin will host Malone at Irish Independent Park with a 2pm kick off.

Greystones were crowned Division 2B champions after their 45-10 home win over Old Crescent. Sean Monaghan scored Crescent’s try and Shane O’Brien kicked a conversion and a penalty.

Thomond who were already relegated defeated Wanderers 23-17 with tries from Gary Bateman and Cian Coady. Alan Wallace converted both and added three penalties.

The Division 2B playoff lineup is City of Armagh v Wanderers on Saturday 22nd April at 2.30pm and on Sunday at Irish Independent Park, Sunday’s Well will face Old Crescent with a 4pm start.

Results:
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Clontarf 37, UCD 28;
Cork Constitution 34, St. Mary’s College 27;
Dublin University 27, Terenure College 25;
Lansdowne 40, Garryowen 17;
Old Belvedere 12, Young Munster 33;

Division 1B: Ballymena 13, Shannon 10;
Buccaneers 40, Ballynahinch 10;
Galwegians 16, Naas 27;
Old Wesley 19, U.C.C. 5;
U.L. Bohemian 10, Dolphin 16;

Division 2A: Galway Corinthians 43, Blackrock College 10;
Malone 45, Cashel 15;
Nenagh Ormond 42, Belfast Harlequins 38;
Queen’s University 24, Highfield 31;
Sunday’s Well 12, Banbridge 40;

Division 2B: City of Armagh 36, Bective Rangers 16;
Greystones 45, Old Crescent 10;
MU Barnhall 40, Dungannon 22;
Skerries 19, City of Derry 14;
Thomond 23, Wanderers 17;

Division 2C: Bruff 25, Boyne 25;
Kanturk 36, Midleton 18;
Navan 15, Sligo 5;
Rainey Old Boys 49, Bangor 0;
Tullamore 19, Seapoint 24.