AIL Roundup: Division 1B Week 17

City of Armagh have secured promotion with a game to spare, while at the bottom it’s do or die for three teams in a fortnight as just four points separates eight to tenth; UCC, Banbridge and Malone.

Old Belvedere 27-27 Banbridge, Ollie Campbell Park

The home side surrendered their hopes of toppling league leaders City of Armagh, drawing with ninth place Banbridge who earned vital points and are now two points from safety.

But Banbridge will feel aggrieved not to have held on to more as they conceded an 80th minute try by Luke McDermott.

City of Armagh 24-20 UCC, Palace Grounds

An incredible occasion for City of Armagh who will be playing 1A rugby next term after being crowned worthy champions.

The tributes from former players came flooding in including former Ireland star Tommy Bowe:

UCC earned valuable bonus points in a spirited performance against the champions and are now two points above the drop zone.

Highfield 21-7 Naas, Woodleigh Park

Converted tries from James Taylor, Eiin Keating and Miah Cronin sealed the win for third spot Highfield.

Naas lie in seventh and can now only finish as high as sixth.

Malone 29-13 St Mary’s College, Gibson Park

Tries from Ben Gibson, Nathan Brown, Declan Moore and Shane Kelly secured a big bonus point win for Malone over Mary’s.

The divisions bottom side aiding their hopes of survival as they now trail Banbridge by two points and UCC by four in eight.

Old Wesley 40-10 Buccaneers, Energia Park

Man of the match Dom McClean guided Old Wesley to a resounding victory with a sensational two-try display for the fifth place side.

Buccaneers, one place above them in fourth, were well beaten and will have to play much better in their next game against the champions City of Armagh.  

I am a Sports Journalism & PR graduate from Staffordshire University. During my time at Final Whistle, I have covered the LOI National League, international games and the Women’s National League. Outside of Final Whistle, I am a researcher for World Rugby and a writer for The Rugby Paper.

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