UCC and Buccaneers are leading from the front in Division 1B after four rounds of super competitive action. Johne Murphy’s Naas also opened their winning account beating Malone over the weekend.
Buccaneers 24-13 Old Belvedere, Dubarry Park
You wouldn’t think Buccaneers are the team coming up from division 2A. They’ve hit the ground running winning three of their opening four games, making the other teams take note.
They trailed 8-3 at the half time break after Old Belvedere’s new signing and number eight Kale Thatcher got over for yet another try. Ben Mannion’s team looked to be in the driving seat, looking for a big away win, form on the road has been something that has eluded them in seasons gone by.
But, a dominant second half display gave the Athlone team another impressive home victory. Left wing Saul O’Carroll got over for a try before experienced centre Shane Layden got their second of the day. Their out-half Michael Hanley made a 14-point contribution off the kicking tee.
A Gavin Nugent try was the only other score for the visitors. Buccs comfortably sit second in the league standings.
Old Wesley 6-5 Highfield, Energia Park
It was rugby for the purest in Donnybrook on Saturday as Old Wesley got only their second win of the season, edging a tough Highfield side.
Highfield hooker Travis Coomey scored the only try of the game in the first half, with Ian Cassidy kicking a penalty for the hosts. The Cork men going in with a slender 5-3 advantage at the break.
A Cassidy penalty in the second half was the difference between the two sides, with his team winning by the slenderest of margins.
Banbridge 21-32 UCC, Rifle Park
Michael Bradley must be enjoying life since becoming Director of Rugby at UCC winning all their opening four game, sitting nicely at the summit of the league table.
They scored five tries on their way to beating Banbridge up in the north. Johnny Murphy, Sam O’Sullivan, Joe O’Leary, Andrew O’Mahony, Killian Coghlan getting them.
The home side nearly did enough to get a try bonus point. Andrew Morrison, Conor Field and Ben Carson all crossing the line for them.
Who can stop the UCC momentum.
Naas 38-24 Malone, Forenaughts
Naas scored five tries in Forenaughts to get their long awaited first win of the season against Malone on Saturday afternoon.
They trailed 17-8 at halftime but tries from Donal Conroy, Charlie Sheridan, Andrew Osbourne. Conor Doyle and another for inform Scrum half Oscar Cawley scored his fourth try in three games, changing their fortunes. Naas will be hoping to build on this win in their upcoming two fixtures.
The Ulsterman who only have one win to their name so far this campaign, couldn’t quite match their motivated opponents. Dan Kerr, Stuart Dodington, Neill Alcorn with their tries.
St Mary’s College 39-22 City of Armagh, Templeville Road
Home advantage could prove to be crucial for Sean Cronin’s St Mary’s this season as they got a well-worked bonus point win over City of Armagh on Saturday.
It Steven Kilgallen, Hugo Conway with two and Conor Hickey all touching the ball down for St Mary’s. Mick O’Gara kicked 13 points throughout the game also.
Matthew Hooks, Shea O’Brien, and Ryan O’Neill all getting first half tries for City of Armagh. They will be disappointed they couldn’t capitalise on their halftime lead.
