There are now no unbeaten Division 1A All-Ireland teams after Young Munster’s 33-17 loss at home to Clontarf, has thrown the title race wide open.
Just three points separate first to fourth, as Clontarf now lead the way, with Lansdowne, Young Munster and Garryowen still in the mix.
Lansdowne 25-27 Dublin University, Aviva Stadium:
A dramatic weekend of action kicked off on Friday, as Lansdowne suffered their second defeat of the season in a shock loss to Dublin University but are in second place courtesy of their two losing bonus points.
Tries from Alan Francis, Louis O’Reilly and Jamie Berrisford, aided by 12 points from the boot of Aran Egan led the students to a famous win at the Aviva Stadium.
Dublin University move up to seventh in the table on 13 points, whilst Lansdowne are second with 21 points.
Ballynahinch 6-10 UCC, Ballymacarn Park:
In a low-scoring bottom of the table clash, UCC secured their first win of the season at the expense of winless Ballynahinch.
Matthew Bowen’s touchdown and five points from Rob Hedderman’s boot were enough for the visitor’s vital win.
UCC are up to ninth on five points, whilst the home side are 10th with just three points.
Cork Constitution 38-10 UCD, Temple Hill:
In a mid-table clash, Cork Constitution thrashed UCD, courtesy of Greg Higgins’ brace and further scores from Niall Kennedy, JJ O’Neill, Cathal O Flaherty and John Poland.
UCD replied through James Tarrant’s try but were well beaten.
Cork move up to fifth with 17 points, whilst UCD move down to eighth on 10 points.
Terenure College 25-13 Garryowen, Lakelands:
In another shock result, Terenure College inflicted Garryowen’s second defeat of the season as they comfortably saw off the title challengers.
Levi Vaughan, Alan Bennie and Craig Adams crossed for the hosts, with Garryowen only able to reply through Nicky Greene and Jamie Shanahan.
Terenure are up to sixth on 13 points, whilst the visitors are down to fourth on 20 points.
Young Munster 17-33 Clontarf, Tom Clifford Park:
In the weekend’s biggest shock of the day, Young Munster lost their unbeaten record and top spot thanks to Clontarf’s comfortable victory.
Dylan Donnellan’s hat-trick, with Adrian D’Arcy and a Penalty Try meant Clontarf leapfrogged the home side into top spot.
Clontarf lead the way with 23 points, whilst Young Munster are down to third with 21 points.
Ben Jaycock
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.