Last year’s finalists Clontarf and Terenure College are the only unbeaten teams left in the division after Tarf dashed Trinity’s hopes with a late try. Shannon finally got up and running since promotion with a good derby win against Garryowen on Friday night.
Clontarf 38-33 Dublin University, Castle Avenue
It looked like it was going to be Trinity’s day as they had a nice 33-17 lead during the second half. But Clontarf showed their champions pedigree to score nineteen unanswered points to secure a 38-33 win, maintaining their 100% start to the season.
Aran Egan kicked nine points from the kicking tee in the first half, a penalty try and a Colm Hogan try was their other scores in this period. Tarf got on the board thanks to an early Dylan Donnellan score and just before half time former Trinity scrum half Angus Llyod linked up with his out-half Conor Kelly who got over for their second try. The visitors led 21-12 at the break.
The away side extended their advantage shortly after the interval from a try out of nothing. It came from a loose Tarf pass which was thumped downfield by Louis McDonough before Andrew Smith failed to gather it and Ronan Quinn swooped in to dribble through and score.
Donnellan reduced the deficit with a quick tap, scoring his fifth try of the campaign. It seemed as if Trinity had put a bit of daylight between them and their opponents when Hugo O’Kennedy and Gavin Jones made great passes to find Aran Egan for the try.
Tarf Captain Matt D’Arcy lifted his troops in the last quarter with the clocks against them. Tony Ryan, Hugh Cooney, and substitute Ben Murphy all getting key tries to help Clontarf keep their long running winning record going.
Lansdowne 12-32 Terenure College, Aviva Stadium Back Pitch
Terenure College have taken all the points on offer this league campaign and despite trailing early on, on Friday night, they kicked into gear to win in impressive fashion.
It was a tight first half with the teams looking well matched. Michael Sylvester divided over to open up the scoring. The visitors replied through the boot of Caolan Dooley and a well measured Callum Smith cross field kick found Stephen O’Neill on the wing to put Nure in the lead.
But, while Colm De Buitléir was in the sin bin, the hosts took full advantage of having the extra man. Number eight Clive Ross barged over from a few metres out. Peter Hastie added the extras. They led 12-10 at half time.
Sean Skehan’s men took full control in the second half, scoring twenty-two unanswered points. Alan Bennie, Conall Boomer and Adam La Grue all getting on the score sheet.
They look unstoppable at the moment. Terenure vs Clontarf, we can’t wait!
Shannon 30-19 Garryowen, Thomond Park Main Pitch
A strong first half performance was enough to earn Shannon their first victory since returning to the topflight.
Pat O’Connor’s troops had the clear edge upfront and they made it count on the day. Hooker Jordan Prenderville got over after a few minutes. They got a penalty try at the scrum a little while later, fellow rower and tighthead prop Luke Rigney got his try. Darren Ryan got the only score of the half for the visitors.
Prenderville got his brace in the second half to give his men a 30-5 cushion and a crucial bonus point. To their credit, Garryowen tried to find a comeback scoring two tries through Jack Delaney and Colm Quilligan although they are still looking for their first win of the season
Ballynahinch 25-20 Young Munster, Ballymacarn Park
Ballynahinch got back to winning ways at home in a close game with a tough Young Munster side, keeping them just outside the top four.
An improved second half put the Ulstermen in the driving seat. Aaron Cairns, George Pringle and Jamie Macartney all scoring their third tries of the league campaign.
A late Conor Phillips try earned the Cookies the losing bonus point.
University College Dublin 31-36 Cork Constitution, Belfield
UCD’s hunt for their first win continues after narrowly losing out 36-31 in a nine try thriller on Saturday afternoon,
Harry Donnelly scored twice for the students along with tries for James Tarrant and Michael Maloney.
However, it was the Cork men who got the result. Three tries during a fifteen-minute second half spell from Niall Kenneally, Billy Scannell and replacement Matisse Lamarque d’Arrouzat made the difference.
