Terenure showed compelling progress towards achieving a home semi-final for the third consecutive season, thanks to a hard-fought, yet anticipated, victory over Clontarf in an overflowing Lakelands Park on this past Saturday. Nonetheless, the trio of Terenure, Constitution and Clontarf remain in a tight contest for the privilege of hosting the play-offs, leading up to the final round of the Energia All-Ireland League.
The game, mirroring the finals from the last two seasons, saw Terenure in the lead at half-time, owing to a tavkle-and-run try from hooker John McKee and a remarkable breakaway try by former Munster and Ireland Sevens wing Conor Phillips, despite Clontarf’s disappointment at not having their own apparent try recognised.
Still, with the game up for grabs entering the final segment after tries from Clontarf’s Aitzol King and Mikey McGiff, with just one point separating them, a ten-win streak gave Terenure the boost of confidence they needed. Max Russell took control of the turnabout ball before Phillips deftly manoeuvered through the Clontarf defence and lock Matthew Caffrey finished a superb performance with a supporting line to score.
Notably, on five instances, Terenure successfully shielded against Clontarf’s powerful maul while out-half Aaran Egan secured a 14-point haul with five out of six successful attempts.
With 65 points, Terenure now lead over Constitution who stand at 64 points after their narrow 10-7 victory over Ballynahinch, followed by Clontarf at 63 points.
The 12th try for Con by Matthew Bowen saw a reciprocal by Aaron Sexton’s 10th at Temple Hill, which was altered by a decisive penalty made by the re-emerging James Taylor. This result facilitated Lansdowne in firming up their semi-final spot with an unforgettable 64-31 triumph over City of Armagh on the Aviva back pitch. They secured their 18th bonus point of the season by darting to a 43-0 lead by half-time, eventually totalling nine tries despite Armagh’s five second-half tries earning them a treasured bonus point.
Trinity salvaged some pride from a rebuilding season by overcoming UCD 22-13 in the colours match played at College Park.
In 1B, Old Wesley secured their position in the playoffs despite a 34-29 loss to champions St Mary’s, buoyed by a triple from former Munster youth center Alex Molloy. They were joined by Garryowen, who secured their eighth consecutive victory with a 28-3 win over Old Belvedere. At the same time, Highfield triumphed 21-7 over Blackrock at home, a significant victory. Buccs’ demotion was established following their 48-7 defeat at UCC’s hands.
The 1A title and an upgrade were clinched by Nenagh Ormond with a 29-12 win over Barnhall, who fell to second place after being leapfrogged by Cashel (33-19 victors over Malone). Banbridge climbed above Old Crescent into the fourth spot.
Instonians secured 2B with two bonus points, losing 29-27 to Corinthians, who are on track for a home semi-final. The bottom slot was vacated by Belfast Harlequins after a 38-34 win over Dolphin.
Clogher Valley all but clinched the 2C title with a 41-12 win against Tullamore, and thanks to a 43-17 win over Midleton, Galwegians are assured a home semi-final.
Results:
Division 1A
Cork Constitution 10-7 Ballynahinch
Lansdowne 64-31 City of Armagh
Terenure College 29-15 Clontarf
Dublin University 22-13 UCD
Shannon L- Young Munster L
Division 1B
Highfield 21-7 Blackrock College
Old Belvedere 3-28 Garryowen
Queens 33-31 Naas
St. Mary’s College 34-29 Old Wesley
UCC 48-7 Buccaneers
Division 2A
Ballymena 24-23 Greystones
Banbridge 32-19 UL Bohemian
Malone 19-33 Cashel
Nenagh Ormond 29-12 MU Barnhall
Old Crescent 19-24 Navan
Division 2B
(Fri) Skerries 3-16 Malahide
Belfast Harlequins 38-34 Dolphin
Dungannon 32-20 Sligo
Galway Corinthians 29-27 Instonians
Rainey 17-40 Wanderers.
Under Division 2C, several rugby matches transpired with the following outcomes:
Omagh Academicals were defeated by Ballina, the scores being 22 to 32 respectively. Clonmel, while putting up a good fight, couldn’t surpass Bangor, who ended with 26 compared to Clonmel’s 21. A fascinating game took place between Enniscorthy and Bruff, with Bruff emerging victorious by a score of 38 to Enniscorthy’s 31. Galwegians trounced Midleton, achieving a notable 43 points against Midleton’s 17. Lastly, Clogher Valley triumphed over Tullamore with a score of 41 to their 12.