Limerick clubs target wins in round three of All-Ireland League

ROUND three of the Energia All-Ireland League will get underway this afternoon with Limerick sides aiming to improve their results from last weekend, with just two local sides recording wins.

In Division 1A, Young Munster will aim to make it three wins on the trot as they take on Cork Constitution in Temple Hill on Saturday afternoon at 2:30pm. Munsters' recorded a hard-fought 34-30 victory over Terenure College in Tom Clifford Park last Saturday, which has moved them into second place on the league table.

Either side could have come out on top of this highly entertaining, ding-dong Division 1A battle with the Dublin side fumbling the ball in their final play of the game to seal Young Munster's hard-fought victory. 

Garryowen's bid to make it back-to-back wins in the top flight came unstuck on Saturday in their 21-29 defeat to Clontarf at Castle Avenue. Former Ireland captain Keith Wood’s three sons, starting centre Gordon and replacement backs Tom and Alex, all featured together and saw action in a Light Blues AIL squad for the first time.

They will look to bounce back quickly on Saturday as they host City of Armagh in Dooradoyle also at 2.30pm. Meanwhile, in Division 1B Shannon recorded their first win of the campaign after securing a gritty 23-13 success over Old Wesley on Thomond Park's back pitch.

Shannon trailed their visitors 6-13 at half-time with the Parish side's points coming courtesy of two  John O’Sullivan penalties. The home side outscored Wesley 17-0 in an impressive second half display to secure a precious come-from-behind win.

The fourth-placed side will enjoy another home fixture this weekend when they take on Naas this Saturday afternoon.

In Division 2A, Old Crescent will host Banbridge in Takumi Park after recording a an exciting 22-22 come-from-behind draw with Navan at Balreask Old last weekend. Casey Tanyi scored a try for Crescent, while Ronan McKenna kicked the remainder of their points in County Meath.

UL Bohemian's suffered a tough 32-26 loss to Skerries in their second round fixture in Division 2B. A slow start saw the Red, Red Robins trailing 5-25 at half-time at Holmpatrick. UL-Bohs had trailed 0-15 at one stage in the opening half.
Bohs' will also have a home fixture in round three in ULs North Campus against Rainey RFC at 2:30pm.

Bruff also claimed a losing point in their 21-24 defeat away to Monkstown at Sydney Parade. Bruff had trailed 13-17 at half-time. Paul Collins kicked two first half penalty goals for the Kilballyowen Park side, while Kieran O’Dwyer's try in the opening 40 minutes was converted by Ethan Anderson.

Bruff led 18-17 after the restart when John Bateman grabbed their second try. However, a converted try for Monkstown had their 24-18 in front. Ethan Anderson's penalty goal then guaranteed a losing bonus point for Bruff. They will now host Belfast Harlequins this Saturday in Kilballyowen Park.