Senior Rugby Roundup

Cork Constitution and Galwegians will contest this year’s Bateman cup final as Old Crescent extend their lead at the top of the Ulster Bank Division 2C League.

Holders Cork Constitution easily brushed aside the challenge of U.C.D at Belfield to book their place in the Bateman Cup Final.

Tries by Brian Hayes and Gavin Duffy both converted by Tomas Quinlan gave Con’ a 14-0 half time lead. James Ryan scored a third try for the Temple Hill side and Quinlan converted and also added a penalty.

A Kevin O’Keeffe penalty gave U.C.C. a 3-0 interval lead away to Division 2A Ulster Bank League leaders Banbridge, but the Ulster side ran out 16-3 winners.

Nenagh Ormond eased their relegation worries with a 31-15 home win over second placed Malone. Kevin O’Flaherty scored two tries for the Tipperary side and Derek Corcoran, Eathon Moloney and Kolio Hifo got one apiece. Michael Walsh kicked three conversions.

A penalty try converted by Tom McHale was not enough for Cashel who lost away to Queens University 20-7.

Thomond eased their relegation worries with a 25-7 home win over fellow strugglers Skerries. Mike McMahon, Eoin O’Carroll and Fionn McGibney scored tries for Thomond and McGibney kicked three conversions and two penalties.

In Division 2B the meeting of the top two sides saw Leaders City of Derry extend their lead with a 33-10 win over Highfield at Judges Road. Miah Cronin scored a try for the ’Field and Dylan Horgan converted and also added a penalty.

Sunday’s Well have moved ahead of Highfield into second place with a hard earned 14-8 home win over bottom side Skerries. The visitors led 8-3 at half time but a late rally saw the ‘Well take the spoils. Ross O’Mahony scored the ‘Wells try and Shane O’Riordan kicked two penalties and a drop goal.

Old Crescent had a comprehensive 54-5 home win over Sligo to maintain their top spot at the head of Division 2C. Cathal O’Reilly and Brendan Guilfoyle each scored two tries for the Rosbrien side and Dave Egan, Larry Hanly, Stephen Murphy and Rory Cunningham each scored a try. Hanly kicked six conversions and Stephen O’Brien one.

A last minute converted try by third place Wanderers denied Bruff a share of the spoils at Kilballyowen Park as the home side went down 24-17. Declan Barron scored two tries and a penalty. Tony Cahill kicked two conversions.

Midleton failed to take advantage of Bruff’s slip up as they lost away to Tullamore 16-13. Daniel Murray scored a try for Midleton and Stuart Lee converted and also added two penalties.

Kanturk eased their relegation worries with a hard earned 25-21 home win over struggling Dundalk. John Duggan scored two tries for the winners and Conor O’Sullivan got one. Mark Healy kicked two conversions and two penalties.

RESULTS:
Ulster Bank Bateman Cup Semi Finals: Galwegians 35, Ballynahinch 31;
U.C.D. 0, Cork Constitution 24;

Ulster Bank League Division 2A: Banbridge 16, U.C.C. 3;
Corinthians 0, Naas 38;
Nenagh Ormond 31, Malone 15;
Queens University 20, Cashel 7;
Thomond 25, Skerries 7;

Division 2B: Bective Rangers 0, City of Armagh 8;
City of Derry 33, Highfield 10;
MU Barnhall 31, Dungannon 14;
Rainey Old Boys 8, Greystones 22;
Sunday's Well 14, Seapoint 8;

Division 2C: Bruff 17, Wanderers 24;
Kanturk 25, Dundalk 21;
Old Crescent 54, Sligo 5;
Tullamore 16, Midleton 13;