AIL Roundup: Division 1B Week 18

Old Belvedere have the opportunity to join City of Armagh in Division 1A next season as they confirmed their place in a promotion playoffs with Highfield and Old Wesley, while Banbridge are headed for a dreaded relegation play-off

Banbridge 16-10 Highfield, Rifle Park

Despite a valiant effort in their victory over third place Highfield, it wasn’t to be for Banbridge.

James Humphreys’ penalty put Banbridge ahead and a maul try by Matthew Laird followed.

Humphreys scored a penalty and got Highfield on the board but Banbridge held on.

Naas 35-39 Old Wesley, Forenaughts 

The home side scored the first try through Cillian Dempsey that was converted by Craig Ronalson.

Andrew Osborne’s score followed but the visitors scored two quick fire tries to level proceedings. 

Despite Fionn Higgins’ second half score, Old Wesley edged the contest with Nathan Randles being awarded man of the match.

Naas finished seventh while Old Wesley ended up in fourth.

St Mary’s College 21-32 Old Belvedere, Templeville Road

Old Belvedere finished second after a comfortable victory over sixth place St Mary’s College courtesy of Mick O’Kennedy’s brace, Pete O’Beirne’s wonder try and Jack Keating’s solo score.

UCC 20-10 Malone, Mardyke 

Eighth place UCC survived by the skin of their feet in the relegation six-pointer against bottoms side Malone on a memorable day for the club at the Mardyke. 

Buccaneers 24-31 City of Armagh, Dubarry Park

The champions were pushed hard but secured their 14th win of the season with a triumph over fifth place Buccaneers, who were forced to settle for a losing bonus point.

Play-off Fixtures:

Saturday April 22nd 2023

Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1A Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Semi-Final:

Shannon (9th in 1A) v Old Wesley (4th), Thomond Park, 2:30pm

Old Belvedere (2nd) v Highfield (3rd), Ollie Campbell Park, 2:30pm

Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1B Promotion/Relegation Play-Off Semi-Final:

Banbridge (9th in 1B) v MU Barnhall (4th), Rifle Park, 2:30pm

Blackrock College v Nenagh Ormond (3rd), Stradbrook, 2:30pm

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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