Garryowen and Munsters continue playoff push

Garryowen and Young Munster will look to build their good form as they play their eighth fixture of the AIL Division 1A season on Saturday. The Light Blues are in a rich vein of form after notching up four wins on the trot, while Munsters have earned victories in their last two games.

Conan Doyle’s Garryowen welcome fifth placed UCC to Dooradoyle on Saturday following their impressive 27-14 win over Terenure last time out. Garryowen held a five point lead at half time in that victory at Lakelands thanks to tries from Liam Coombes and Colm Quilligan.

Terenure came back into the contest in the second half, but a Diarmuid Barron effort and Commbes’ second try of the game saw Garryowen win their fifth game of the season. Jamie Heuston was also in fine form from the kicking tee with seven points.

Young Munster make the long trip up north to face bottom placed Ballynahinch aiming to continue their recent return to form. Gearoid Prendergast’s men have beaten Lansdowne and Dublin University in their last two games and now lie in sixth place. However, a win for ‘Hinch could see them overtake Munsters in what is a tight bottom half of the table.

The ‘Cookies’ earned an impressive bonus point win over Dublin University last weekend with their tries coming from Alan Tynan (2), Gavin Coombes and Keelan Stephenson. Evan Cusack capped a fine performance by slotting all four conversions. Dublin University did rally late on, but Munsters never looked in danger of being caught.

In Division 1B, Shannon will be looking to push their way back into the promotion shake up following a disappointing home defeat to Old Wesley last time out. The Tadgh Bennett coached side have the chance to rectify that loss when they welcome St Mary’s College to Thomond Park’s back pitch.

Wesley made a strong start with the opening try on Saturday, but Kelvin Brown responded to leave the score at 7-5 after 15 minutes. Both sides then traded penalties, but it was Wesley that went into half time in the ascendancy thanks to their second try. 15-8 at the break.

Wesley kicked two penalties to go 13 points clear, but Tom Ahearne’s try nine minutes into the second half gave Shannon hopes of a comeback. Another Wesley penalty gave them an 11-point advantage and although Ikem Ugwueru scored late on for Shannon, Wesley held on for the win.

In Division 2A, Old Crescent remain in mid table following a 43-16 win over Ballymena in Rosbrien. Tries from Jack O’Mahony (2), Jack Hogan, Val McDermott (2), Niall Harriman and Ed Barry saw Crescent to an impressive victory.

In the same division, UL Bohs fell to a 15-8 defeat to Barnhall in Maynooth. That defeat sees them return to the foot of the table. Crescent make the short trip to Tipperary to take on Nenagh Ormond in their next game, while a win in UL for Bohs would see them go ahead of ninth place Dolphin.

In Division 2C, Bruff won for the first time in three games after Jack Fitzgerald’s late try saw them to a 14-10 win over Sunday’s Well. Eoin Cahill’s men make the trip to Clonmel in their next game. Both sides are pushing for a top four finish this term.

Following the win, Bruff head coach paid tribute to his players for their response to defeats in their last two games.