Queens University, Cashel and Buccaneers have sealed their spot in the top four, of the Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 2A, after victories this weekend while the final spot is still up for grabs. Rainey Old Boys and Nenagh will contest the relegation play-off.
Nenagh Ormond 10-20 Cashel, New Ormond Park
Cashel had a great second half surge scoring two tries, to cement a home promotion semi-final, while Nenagh are now confirmed for the relegation playoffs following the defeat.
In a very low scoring open half it was the hosts who had the lead, a slender 5-3 advantage as they tried to get a big result in the Tipperary derby.
But into the second half it was a solid Cashel performance which saw them home, despite an unconverted try for the hosts, they powered to a ten point win in the end.
Buccaneers 19-3 Ballymena, Dubarry Park
Buccaneers have cemented third spot in the table following victory this weekend, while Ballymena might yet finish outside the top four as they need a result next weekend.
Following an early exchange of penalties where Buccs lead 6-3, they crossed for a converted try to push their lead out to 13-3, which they took to the half time break.
Buccs continued to control the contest into the second half, a low scoring half of rugby as they kicked two penalties to take home all four points in the end.
Queens University 33-13 Old Crescent, Dub Lane
Queens continued their phenomenal performance this season, with another hard-fought win over Old Crescent, a big final day push to see if they can make the top four.
The visitors had the ideal start to the game with Val McDermott, getting a try straight from the kick off for a 7-0 lead, they responded immediately to level but John Hurley landed a penalty before half time, but again Queens were quick to score an unconverted try, leading 14-10 at the interval.
It took until the hour mark for a score in the second half, Hurley kicking a penalty to reduce the gap to one, however Queens found their feet in the last ten minutes, crossing for three tries, converting two for a 20 point win.
Rainey Old Boys 18-10 Dolphin, Hatrick Park
Rainey picked up a big win over Dolphin this weekend, but the result only served as a consolation as they already are in the relegation play offs.
The teams looked to be inseparable for most of the opening half, but two penalties saw the hosts lead 6-5 at the interval, cancelling out a Dolphin try.
After the restart the hosts crossed for a converted try to extend their advantage, Rob Reardon crossed for an unconverted try to reduce the arrears, but Rainey added one of their own to secure the win.
UL Bohemian 26-21 MU Barnhall, UL Arena
UL Bohemian could have an outside chance of making the top four, victory this weekend seeing them four points outside the top of the table, a huge result for the students, with Barnhall also in contention.
Barnhall kicked an early penalty to lead the first half, but the hosts were quick to reply off a srum going through the phases, before a skip pass out to Joe Murray set up Colin Ryan with a pass inside who dived for the line and scored, giving them a 7-3 halftime lead.
The continued scoring after the restart, Paul Clancy crossing under the posts, Barnhall replied with a converted try to make it 14-10. A scrum penalty saw Colin Madden tap and go to add their third for a 19-14 lead.
With over ten minutes to go Barnhall were quick to go in front, getting in just beside the posts to lead 21-19. The hosts kept the pressure on and were awarded a penalty try after repeated infringements, to lead 26-21 in the dying minutes as Barnhall failed to find the killer score.
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.