Limerick Rugby - Garryowen climb to second in AIL
Hooker Sean Henry, UL Bohemian, takes on Sam Cronin and Ben Reilly, Clontarf, in their Ulster Bank All-Ireland League Division 1A clash at Castle Avenue on Saturday
GARRYOWEN were the only Limerick side to record a victory on a black weekend for the seven local clubs in the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League.
Garryowen moved into second spot in the 1A table, thanks to their highly impressive 34-15 victory over Old Belvedere at Dooradoyle. Munster flanker Barry O’Mahony helped himself to a hat-trick of tries in a convincing win for Tom Tierney’s ‘light blues’.
While Young Munster, also in 1A, and Thomond, in 2B, were unfortunate to lose out by a single point in their fixtures, Limerick’s four other AIL sides shipped heavy defeats.
Munsters’ count count themselves especially unlucky to lose out on a 20-21 scoreline to Cork Con’ at Temple Hill. Mike Prendergast’s side looked destined to record a precious victory when leading 20-14 in stoppage time. However, a last gasp Ivan Dineen try, brilliantly converted by Johnny Holland from close to the touchline, ensured the home side swooped late to claim the spoils.
Munsters’, who had to be satisfied with picking up a losing bonus point, led 8-7 at the break, thanks to Sean Duggan’s well-executed try. Scrum-half Brian Haugh kicked five penalty goals for the Greenfields side.
Munsters, who have slipped to third place in the 1A table, four points behind tabletoppers Lansdowne, host Clontarf in a crucial fixture at Tom Clifford Park this Saturday.
Munster Senior Cup finalists UL-Bohemian slipped back to eighth place on the back of a heavy 35-10 defeat to Clontarf at Castle Avenue.
UL-Bohs’ made a dream start with Mossie Lawler bagging a first minute try, but the home side took charge soon after.
Despite a Sean Rennison try for the Annacotty side, ‘Tarf led 16-10 at the break. UL-Bohs failed to add to their points tally after the break as the Dubliners secured a bonus point, adding three further tries.
Next up for Colm Tucker’s side is a crunch home tie with high-flying Garryowen at Thomond Park this Friday night (7.30pm).
Shannon remain rock bottom of the 1A table after suffering a 31-13 defeat to Dolphin at Coonagh. Stephen Keogh’s side are still searching for their first point after their third successive defeat of the campaign.
After a slow start, Shannon trailed 6-14 at half-time. However, a try from their Connacht and former Wales under-age star James Loxton helped the home side close to within four points at 13-17. This would be as close as Shannon would get to their opponents, as Barry Keeshan’s accurate kicking eased Dolphin to victory.
In 1B, Bruff shipped their second successive heavy defeat, this time a 46-3 thumping at the hands of leaders Malone at Gibson Park.
Old Crescent have dropped to 13th position in Division 2A after suffering a 49-31 defeat to UCC in a free-scoring affair at Rosbrien.
Crescent scored five tries to pick up a bonus point. The home side trailed 25-7 at half-time.
Plucky Thomond were unfortunate to lose 15-16 to Instonians at Shaw’s Bridge.
Thomond, who host mid-table Skerries in their next fixture at Fitzgerald Park this Saturday, remain 14th in the table as a result of picking up a losing bonus point.
Ulster Bank All-Ireland League Fixtures:
Friday, November 2:
Division 1A: UL-Bohemian v Garryowen, Thomond Park, 7.30pm
Saturday, November 3:
1A: Old Belvedere v Shannon, Anglesea Road, 2.30pm
1A: Young Munster v Clontarf, Clifford Park, 2.30pm
1B: Bruff v Dublin University, Kilballyowen Park, 2.30pm
2A: Midleton v Old Crescent, Towns Park, 2.30pm
2B: Thomond v Skerries, Liam Fitzgerald Park, 2.30pm
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Weather for Limerick
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 14 C
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Temperature: 7 C to 15 C
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