Just two Limerick wins on dramatic day of All-Ireland League rugby action

THERE were just two Limerick wins on a dramatic day of energia All-Ireland League with now just three series of games to go in the regular season.

In Division 1A, resilient Shannon RFC boosted their survival hopes after recording a precious 20-14 victory over Ballynahinch on the back pitch at Thomond Park.

The win over fifth-placed 'Hinch sees ninth-placed Shannon draw level on points with City of Armagh who sit eighth. However, Shannon do still occupy the relegation play-off position by virtue of Armagh's superior points difference. 

Shannon enjoy a five point advantage over basement side Dublin University who occupy the automatic relegation place in Division 1A.

The second Limerick side to record a victory was battling Bruff RFC in Division 2C who produced a stirring comeback to edge past Galwegians at Kilballyowen Park. Fourth-placed Bruff, who are in the promotion play-off hunt, had trailed 0-25 at one stage in the opening half but rallied superbly to claim a thrilling last gasp 32-30 success over their third-placed opponents.

Meanwhile, in Division 1A, Young Munsters' fading hopes of reaching the top four semi-finals ended with their heavy 31-12 defeat to Clontarf at Castle Avenue.

In Division 1B, promotion play-off chasing Garryowen dropped to fourth-placed in the table after succumbing 10-21 to Old Wesley at Energia Park.

There was no joy for the two Limerick clubs competing in Division 2A. Fourth-placed Old Crescent, who remain in the promotion play-off picture, suffered a 24-3 reverse at the hands of table toppers Nenagh Ormond at New Ormond Park.

Also in 2A, sixth-placed UL-Bohemian, who also harbour hopes of making the promotion play-offs, fell to a 24-13 reverse away to Greystones at Dr Hickey Park.

In Division 1A, Shannon's focus will now switch to their next outing, a crucial away date at City of Armagh, the side just above thme in the table, when the league resumes on Saturday, March 23 at the Palace Grounds. 

Shannon then host local rivals Young Munster on the main pitch at Thomond Park in another crucial fixture on Easter Sunday, 5pm kick-off.

Shannon scored three tries in Saturday's much-needed home win over Ballynahinch. The Parish side, who led 13-7 at half-time had tries from Cian O'Halloran and Jordan Prenderville, while the Limerick side was also awarded a penalty try. Out-half Mike Cooke also added a penalty.

Young Munster were outscored by five tries to two in their defeat at leaders Clontarf in Dublin.

Munsters', who trailed 7-17 at half-time, had tries from Chris Moore, James Horrigan, while Cian Casey added a conversion.

In Division 1B, Garryowen raced into an early 10-0 lead against their hosts Old Wesley at Energia Park. The 'Light Blues' had a seventh minute try from Bryan Fitzgerald, while out-half Dylan Hicks added a penalty and conversion.

However, Old Wesley rallied strongly before half time with 21 unanswered points, including three tries to lead by 11 points at half-time. 

Neither side managed to add to their points tally in the second period as Garryowen came away empty-handed from the contest. Next up for Garryowen is a crucial home date with ninth-placed Queens at Dooradoyle on March 23.

In Division 2A, Old Crescent trailed high-flying Nenagh Ormond 3-12 at half-time in North Tipperary. Ronan McKenna had kicked the Takumi Park side into an early lead.

Despite being wind-assisted in the second half, fourth-placed Crescent were unable to add to their points tally after the restart as Nenagh Ormond added two further tries to claim a bonus point. 

Next up for Crescent is a home date with Ballymena at Takumi Park in three weeks' time. 

Also in 2A, sixth-placed UL-Bohemian came away empty-handed from their visit to Hickey Park with their 11-point defeat to Greystones.

The red, Red Robins trailed 13-24 at half-time and with neither side managing to add to their points tally in the second half, that is the way the scores remained until full-time. 

Next up for UL-Bohemian is a crucial home date with basement side Malone at Annacotty on March 23.

In Division 2C, fourth-placed Bruff remain firmly in the promotion play-off race after recording their dramatic 32-30 come-from-behind win over in-form Galwegians in Kilballyowen Park.

A Bruff win looked highly unlikely after visitors 'Wegians raced into a significant 25-0 lead. However, a converted try from Cillian Rea inspired the South Limerick side before Paul Collins added a penalty for 10-25.

'Wegians regained the initiative with a further try for a 30-10 advantage, before Bruff rallied superbly with three tries. Andrew O'Byrne dotted down initially, before winger Mark Fitzpatrick struck for two tries to secure a bonus point and leave two points in it at 29-30.

Ice-cool Paul Collins then landed a winning penalty in the final minute of an absorbing contest as Bruff secured a maximum five point haul from the fixture much to the delight of the home supporters.