Rugby

Ulster Bank League Round-up: UCD dent Young Munster hopes

Only two points now separate Munsters, Cork Con and Clontarf in the top four

Ballymena’s Conor Smith and Edward Daly of UL Bohemians in action during the Division 1B clash at Eaton Park. UL Bohemians won 30-23. Photograph: Declan Roughan/Presseye/Inpho

Sun Mar 5 2017 - 16:25

Garryowen were the big losers in Ulster Bank League Division 1A over the weekend, falling from fifth to eighth place courtesy of a 19-3 defeat at Dublin University.

Only seven points now cover the bottom six sides in the table, so Trinity’s second win in three games was just the ticket as they climbed into seventh overall.

Munster's Sam Arnold played for an hour but he had little opportunity to make an impact for the Light Blues, with the students dominating second-half possession and number eight Tom Ryan's pushover try in the 73rd minute sealing the result.

Leinster lock Ian Nagle was among the try scorers as St Mary's College deservedly won the 'Battle of Dublin 6W', prevailing 20-13 at home to Terenure College.

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Terry Kennedy and Nagle both touched down before half-time and influential outhalf Dave Fanagan ran in a third try in the 53rd minute. Late tries from replacements Stephen O'Neill and Conor Weakliam secured a losing bonus point for second-from-bottom Terenure.

Leinster prop Andrew Porter scored a crucial try for UCD as they overturned a half-time deficit to defeat second-placed Young Munster 20-13 at the Belfield Bowl.

Club duty

In a week in which Porter’s first senior contract with the province was confirmed, the powerful 21-year-old returned to club duty, switching sides to tighthead, and helped them to their first victory in three games. Outhalf Matthew Gilsenan kicked 15 points.

Forwards Brian Hayes and Luke Cahill both crossed the whitewash as Cork Constitution edged out bottom side Old Belvedere in a hard-fought 16-10 triumph at Temple Hill. Only two points separate Munsters (44 points), Con (43) and Clontarf (42) in the top four, with Lansdowne still six points clear at the summit.

Meanwhile, Division 1B’s champions-elect Buccaneers overcame Dolphin 19-5 in Athlone with returning winger Jordan Conroy scoring his 14th try in as many league rounds.

Second-placed UL Bohemians, who trail Buccs by a full 16 points, got back to winning ways courtesy of a 30-23 success at Ballymena. Backs Harry Fleming, Robbie Bourke and Colin Ryan had a try each for UL.

Converted efforts from Aidan Moynihan and Adam Griggs saw Galwegians and Old Wesley share the spoils (7-7) at Crowley Park, while player-coach Tom Hayes and Munster’s Duncan Casey were part of Shannon’s pack in their 20-14 home win over UCC. Current Ireland Under-20 international Conor Fitzgerald kicked 10 points for the Limerick men.

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