AIL Roundup: Division 2A Week 2

Round 2 of the Energia All-Ireland League is complete and in Division 2A, there’s just two teams who remain with a 100% record. Nenagh Ormond and Queen’s University maintained their fantastic start to the season, while there was also first victories for Cashel, Ballymena and Dolphin

Ballymena 20-14 Navan, Eaton Park, Saturday October 8^th, 2:30pm.

After defeat to 2A new boys Blackrock College in their first outing, the Ulster outfit bounced back with a valuable 20-14 win over Navan at Eaton Park. Navan led 14-7 just before the interval, before a try from Jordan Foster on the cusp of half time reduced the deficit. Ballymena then went on to win the game thanks to a second half try from Callum Patterson.

Cashel 32-9 UL Bohemian, Spafield, Saturday 8^th October, 2:30pm.

Cashel earned a first win and bonus point of the season this weekend after easing past UL Bohemian. After defeat against Navan last weekend, it was a much-needed victory for the Spafield outfit. Next up for them is a trip to unbeaten side Nenagh Ormond, while UL Bohemians face Ballymena.

Dolphin 35-8 Blackrock College, Musgrave Park, Saturday 8^th October, 2:30pm.

After a heavy defeat to Queen’s University last weekend, Dolphin showed serious signs of improvement with a comfortable win over Blackrock College. Tries from Alex Pope, Cam O’Shaughnessy, Ryan Foley, Sam Boyle and James Rochford as well as ten points from the boot of Tomás Quinlan sealed the win.

Nenagh Ormond 25-24 MU Barnhall, New Ormond Park, Saturday 8^th October, 2:30pm.

It was a thrilling clash between two sides who earned valuable victories in round one, but it was Nenagh Ormond who continued to impress with a second victory in a row. A penalty in the final play of the game from James Finn broke MU Barnhall hearts to send them up to second place in the table. Nenagh Ormond face Cashel next while MU Barnhall host Queen’s University.

Old Crescent 24-36 Queen’s University, Takumi Park, Saturday 8^th October, 2:30pm.

Queen’s University survived a mammoth Old Crescent comeback to grind out a second bonus point win of the season. After leading 19-0 at one stage, Queen’s University allowed Old Crescent back into the game and the game was level at 24-24 with twenty minutes remaining. However, a strong finish to the game which included two tries for the early season favourites secured the win.