Blackrock maintain challenge

Blackrock consolidated their place as favourites to take honours in Division Two with a 20-26 win over one of their closest rivals, City of Derry. The six-point win gives the talented young side breathing space in terms of points and with games in hand augurs well for moving towards Division One. International second row Bob Casey claimed a try after the break for Blackrock with A international outhalf Emmet Farrell claiming the lion's share of the spoils with a try, three penalties, two conversions and a drop goal.

Not to be out done Old Crescent also kept the pressure on and maintained their hold at the top of the table with a 31-10 win over Bective Rangers, kicker Billy Treacy contributing 16 points to the Limerick side's total. Crescent led the match 17-0 as Treacy's boot combined with a try from Craig Doyle to set the tone. A further try from Brian Toland, which Treacy converted, brought the tally to 24 points without reply from Bective.

An appreciable improvement from the Dublin side arrived but much too late to be of any consequence as Crescent sent in Phil Glamuzia to build an unassailable total.

Galwegians, also still in the hunt after a few hitches in their campaign were narrow winners against Old Belvedere, stealing the points with a last gasp injury-time try from Ireland international Matt Mostyn. Galwegians had earlier lost a 17 point lead following a fight back from the Dublin side with Andy Dunne, Ray Monaghan and Michael McLoughlin running in tries before the injury time sting from Mostyn.

UCD, still very much in touch, fought bitterly against Portadown for a 16-20 win. Outhalf Paddy Wallace kicked five penalties to add to an early try from scrumhalf Bobby Quigley and despite a fight back from the Ulster side, the students' defence, under pressure, held firm.

At the lower end of the table both Greystones and Wanderers continued to struggle with form, the Wicklow side going down to Belfast Harlequins at Dr Hickey Park despite a 25-point haul haul from outhalf Morne Loxton. Wanderers 37-39 defeat by Dolphin came down to a late penalty from John O'Mahony.