Weekend Rugby Round Up

Garryowen reclaimed the Bateman Cup, Bruff reached the Division 2C play-off final, as holders Cork Constitution and Highfield booked their places in the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup final.

Garryowen proved too strong for City of Armagh in the final of the Bateman Cup at Templeville Road as they ran out deserving 45-21 winners to win the trophy for the second time after a seven year gap.

Tries from Bryan Fitzgerald and Peadar Collins both converted by Ben Healy gave the Light Blues an early 14-0 lead. A Healy penalty and a conversion of a Jamie Heuston try on the stroke of half time made it 24-7.

Tries from Neil and two by his brother Liam Cronin, two converted by Healy and one by Heuston put the game beyond the Ulster Cup holders.

There were home defeats for the two Munster sides in the Division 2 All Ireland League play-offs.

Cashel lost at home to Navan 7-3 in the Division 2A semi-final. Jonty Rae kicked a penalty for Cashel.

Midleton were stunned by Bruff at the Towns Park going down in a 10 try feast 38-28. Bruff made a great start racing into a 19-0 lead after twenty three minutes with tries from Cian Clifford, Dave O’Grady and Liam Treacy, two of which O’Grady converted. Denis Broderick opened Midleton’s account with a try which Stuart Lee converted, but a second Treacy try converted by O’Grady made it 26-7 to the visitors at half-time.

Two yellow cards to Midleton did not help their cause as Taylor Jones made it 33-7 for Bruff with their fifth try and O’Grady added the extras.

Midleton got back in the game with tries from Rob Carey and Stuart Lee with Lee converting both to close the gap to twelve points.

Sean D’Arcy steadied Bruff’s nerves with a sixth try but a try by Benji Cottle converted by Lee was not enough for the home side.

In the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup Highfield defeated Cashel 29-3 in their semi-final at Woodleigh Park. Paul Downes was Highfield’s hero contributing two tries, three conversions and a penalty to his sides tally. Eddie Earles and Kieran Downes also scored tries. Eamon Connolly kicked a penalty for Cashel.

Cork Constitution made it a Cork double when they saw off the challenge of a disappointing Clonmel side at Temple Hill on a 60-12 score line.

Greg Higgins scored three tries and a conversion for the winners. Max Abbott, Barry Galvin, Conor Morrissey, Gary Bradley and John O’Callaghan also crossed the white wash. Niall Finn kicked two penalties and six conversions. Conor Pearson and Luke Noonan replied with tries for Clonmel and Alex Sheehan kicked one conversion.

Dublin University retained the Frazer McMullen Under 20 trophy with a 41-24 victory over U.C.C. at Naas. Adam O’Connor scored two tries for College who were also awarded a penalty try. Eoin Monahan converted both tries and also added a penalty.

Highfield defeated holders Cork Constitution 25-5 to win the Junior 2 South Cup and make it five wins in six.

Tries from Mark O’Driscoll and Dave Eustace both converted by Eustace gave Highfield a 14-0 half time lead. Michael Coughlan brought Con’ back into the tie with a try but two Eustace penalties and a try by Ted O’Leary sealed the win for the Woodleigh Park side.

Ard Scoil Rís Old Boys reached the Webb Cup Final in their first season as they defeated Gleeson League champions Shannon 13-6.

Elsewhere Kinsale won the Kelly Cup defeating Mallow 24-15, A last minute from Rob Flaherty gave Fermoy a 21-20 win over Ballincollig in the final of the McCarthy Cup.