Slow Start For Munster Teams In AIL

Only four of the fourteen Munster sides involved in the opening day’s fixtures in the Ulster Bank League won, with wins for Garryowen, Cashel, Bruff and Old Crescent.

In Division 1A Garryowen made a winning return to the top flight with a 14-10 win over Ballynahinch.
The sides were level 3-3 at half time with James Frawley kicking three penalties for the Light Blues and Shane Buckley scored a try.

Galwegians the other promoted side with Garryowen also made a winning start defeating Cork Constitution 12-11. Two penalties from Tomas Quinlan had the Con’ 7-6 behind at half time. Rob Jermyn scored a late try for the Temple Hill side.

A penalty and a drop goal from Paul Downes gave Young Munster a 6-3 half time lead against Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium, but it was the defending League champions who ran out comfortable winners 29-6.

In Division 1B Dolphin lost 46-10 to St. Mary’s College in Templeville Road. John Madigan scored a first half try for Dolphin and Cian McGovern kicked a conversion and penalty.

Shannon lost away to Buccaneers 21-11 with Shane Mullaney scoring a try for the visitors and Ronan McKenna kicked two penalties

Old Wesley had a big 33-5 win over UL Bohs at Thomond Park with total dominance in the second half after they led 14-5 at the interval. Winger Barry McLoughlin scored 18 points for the visitors, try, 3 pens and two conversions and they also had tries by Ian Cassidy, Craig Telford, and Josh Hines. Darren Moroney had the game’s opening try for the hosts.

In Division 2A Cashel defeated Thomond 16-15 at Liam Fitzgerald Park. David Lambe scored a try for Cashel and Eamon Connolly kicked three penalties and a conversion. Jamie McGarry and A Slijepevic scored tries for Thomond and John Lillis kicked a penalty and a conversion.

Both Highfield and Sunday’s Well lost in Division 2B.
Greystones beat Sunday’s Well 20-15 at Irish Independent Park. Greg Higgins and Mark Chandler scored tries for the ‘Well and Eoin Geary kicked a conversion and a penalty.

A late comeback by Bective Rangers saw them defeat Highfield 28-27 at Donnybrook.

In Division 2C Bruff defeated newcomers Dundalk 35-16. Brendan Deady scored two tries for the visitors and Johnny Hogan and Tom O’Callaghan also scored tries for Bruff. Tony Cahill kicked three penalties and three conversions.

A late try from Kevin Meade which Shane O’Brien converted earned Old Crescent a 13-12 away win over Tullamore. O’Brien also added two penalties.

A late rally from Boyne saw them pip Midleton 31-29 in a thrilling game at Drogheda.

RESULTS:
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Galwegians 12, Cork Constitution 11;
Garryowen 14, Ballynahinch 10;
Lansdowne 29, Young Munster 6;
Old Belvedere 27, Terenure College 8;
UCD 16, Clontarf 24;

Division 1B: Ballymena 27, Belfast Harlequins 23;
Blackrock College 11, Dublin University 10;
Buccaneers 21, Shannon 11;
St. Mary's College 46, Dolphin 10;
UL Bohemian 5, Old Wesley 33;

Division 2A: Corinthians 18, Queens University 30;
Malone 20, Banbridge 23;
Skerries 0, Naas 16;
Thomond 15, Cashel 16;

Division 2B: Bective Rangers 28, Highfield 27;
City of Armagh 21, Dungannon 20;
MU Barnhall 20, City of Derry 32;
Seapoint 18, Rainey Old Boys 21;
Sunday's Well 15, Greystones 20;

Division 2C: Boyne 31, Midleton 29;
Dundalk 16, Bruff 35;
Kanturk 27, Wanderers 32;
Navan 54, Sligo 10;
Tullamore 12, Old Crescent 13;