MU Barnhall are the new league leaders in 2A, Blackrock just behind them on score difference, Nenagh are into the top four, while elsewhere UL Bohs produced a shock defeating Queens.
Cashel 10-10 Dolphin, Spafield
Cashel took a tumble out of the top four as they moved down to fifth having shared the points with Dolphin.
The Tipperary side controlled the opening half and a try from Cormac O’Donnell gave them a five point margin by the break. Into the second half however Dolphin would hit the breakthrough, two quick unconverted tries put them in front but Aidan McDonald crossed late on to salvage the draw.
MU Barnhall 31-14 Ballymena, Parsonstown
MU Barnahll are the new leaders in 2A, thanks to their points difference, the side coming good to topple Ballymena at the weekend.
The hosts showed their class in the opening half, earning their bonus point before their half time whistle sounded, they managed three in succession before Pierce Crowe dotted down for Ballymena, but another before the break gave them a 26-7 lead.
Barnhall capped their performance with another fine try after the break, Adam Lamont reduced the deficit with a try minutes later as a consolation for the visitors.
Navan 21-31 Blackrock College, Balreask Old
Blackrock are just behind in the league standings, 28 points is the score difference between them and Barnhall at the summit, but Navan will be left wondering what if from the tie.
Navan hit the breakthrough as Mark Farrel dissected the posts, Ryan Healy crossed for their opening try but tries from Niall Hardiman and Paul McSweeney had Blackrock ahead, Leandro Ramirez finished a great move to put Navan ahead 15-14 at the break after an excellent try.
One moment can change a game, Navan hit a try after Peter Quirke added three to the board off the tee, Evan Dixon;s dismissal after 75 minutes would turn the tie on its head, a red card that allowed Chris Rolland and Ross Barry both cross for tries that sealed the deal in a cruel finish.
Nenagh Ormond 28-7 Old Crescent, New Ormond Park,
John Hayes’ late try ensured that Nenagh finished in the top four at the weekend after a strong bonus point win in the Munster derby.
Nenagh added three opening half tries without reply to lead 21-0 by the break, JackO’Mahony replied for the visitors as Ronan McKenna ensured it was a full seven points, but Hayes late try capped off the result for the Nenagh men.
UL Bohemian 31-19 Queens University, UL Arena
The Robins produced a giant killing on Shannonside as they toppled the then league leaders and in turn secured a bonus point win.
Harry Byrne converted an early try from their lineout maul for a 7-0 lead before then converting a Darragh O’Gorman effort to double their lead. Paul Clancy added the third converted try as they were in cruise control, Queens would however strike for two late tries to make it 21-12 at the break.
Ihechi Oji got the bonus point try after the break following a block down, but another tap and go penalty saw Queens cross for their third, Byrne nailed a penalty the final score of the day to cap off a big win for the Limerick side.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.