It was an action packed, try galore return to Division 2A of the Energia All Ireland League. New boys Blackrock College kicked off their season with a bonus point win, while there were also victories for MU Barnhall, Queen’s University, Navan and Nenagh Ormond.
Blackrock College 38-24 Ballymena, Saturday October 1st, Stradbrook, 2:30pm
Blackrock College kicked off their season in emphatic style with a bonus point win over one of last season’s top four sides, Ballymena at Stradbrook today. Blackrock led Ballymena 33-3 midway through the game, but Ballymena fought back and did make the score line more respectable come the end of the 80 minutes. It’s a trip south to Dolphin for Rock next weekend, while Ballymena host Navan at Eaton Park.
MU Barnhall 44-27 Old Crescent, Saturday October 1st, Parsonstown, 2:30pm
Following a mixed season last year, MU Barnhall claimed an impressive bonus point win over Old Crescent. The Maynooth outfit have certainly sent a statement to the rest of the Division 2A that they will certainly be in the mix for promotion. MU Barnhall face Nenagh Ormond next while Old Crescent host Queen’s University.
Navan 20-19 Cashel, Saturday October 1st, Balreask Old, 2:30pm.
It was an entertaining affair at Balreask Old as Navan returned to Division 2A with a narrow victory over Cashel. It’s certainly a vital win for the Meath club, over a side who finished at the top end of the division last season. Navan travel to Ballymena next with Cashel welcoming UL Bohemian to Spafield.
Queen’s University 69-12 Dolphin, Saturday October 1st, Dub Lane, 2:30pm.
Queen’s University showed no signs of disappointment after narrowly missing out on promotion to Division 1B. Dolphin proved to be no match for the early season title favourites but will be hoping to bounce back against Blackrock College next week. Queen’s were undoubtedly the standout performers in the division last year and showed yet again why they are the team to beat.
UL Bohemian 5- 20 Nenagh Ormond, Saturday October 1st, UL Arena, 2:30pm.
Nenagh Ormond started the season in the sort of form that they only managed a couple of times last campaign. Nenagh were in control over UL Bohemians for the majority of the game and with a game against MU Barnhall next week, confidence will be sky high. UL Bohemian face a trip to Cashel next weekend and will be eager to find their first win of the season.
Luke Delaney
Luke is a final year Journalism student in DCU. He is a Sports Reporter for Wicklow People Sport and FinalWhistle.ie.