Cashel made it nine games unbeaten with another terrific performance this weekend, but Queens University pulled out a 14 point lead atop the Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 2A, their title looking all the much closer after another hard fought win.
Ballymena 7-17 Cashel, Eaton Park
Cashel made it nine wins in a row, with a 17-7 win over Ballymena, they remain in second spot with some breathing room over Mena in third. The ill discipline off the hosts costing them in the second half, as Cashel had little worries in the half.
It took until the 35th minute for the deadlock to be broken, in a frantic game of rugby, Paddy Browne with a wonderful solo effort evading the challenge before scoring, Ross McKay accurate from the tee for a 7-0 lead. Cashel hit back shortly after, powering over for a maul try, as the referee signalled the grounding was good, they managed a second just before the interval for a 10-7 lead.
The Yellow Cards were being brandished for Ballymen In the second half, Chris Cundell and Pierce Crowe making it 15 v 13 early in the half, before Browne also saw yellow, making it 12 men on the field, the visitors crossed for another suburb try late on, the converted effort making it a ten point win for Cashel.
Buccaneers 60-7 Dolphin, Dubarry Park
Buccaneers got off to a great start as Will Reilly managed to cross over off a well-worked attack by the hosts, Michael Hanley landed the conversion and would kick a penalty for a 10-0 lead shortly after. Declan Adamson was next to cross for Buccs, he gathered the offload well to cross in space, for a 17-0 lead.
Martin Staunton added their third try minutes later, the prop gathering and going himself running in from 20 metres for a 24-0 lead. Graham Lynch got the bonus point just before the break, coming off the bench the forward managed to power his way over, as they led 31-0 at the break. Debutant Harry Balsiger joined in on the scoring exploits, a powerful solo effort as Dolphin failed to react., making it 36-0.
Buccs added two more quick tries, before Dolphin replied with a converted effort of their own, 48-7 on the scoreboard toward the end of the half, Ciaran Booth crossed for their eight of the afternoon, the Number 8 running over 60 metres to cross for a 55-7 lead, captain Evan Galvin made it nine tries late on, another forward getting over from a maul near the line.
Old Crescent 34-27 MU Barnhall, Takumi Park
Crescent dominated the opening half leading 31-0 by the interval, Jack Hogan crossed after ten minutes as the centre powered his way over, Ronan Mckenna made it 7-0 with the conversion. Cathal O’Reilly reacted well to intercept a Barnhall offload, before he ran for the line to cross and give them a 14-0 lead. Second Row Tevita Tioa picked and ran for their third try after 27 minutes, making it a 21-0 lead.
Another Intercept saw winger Val McDermott get the bonus point after 36 minutes, McKenna four from four off the tee, giving them a 28-0 cushion. Mckenna landed a late penalty to end a dominant first half for the hosts. Barnhall began their comeback early in the second half, managing three quick tries, in a ten minute window, reducing the score to 31-19.
After the hour mark McKenna kicked another penalty for a 15 point lead, Barnhall drove hard late on and an unconverted try followed by a penalty in injury time, saw the deficit reduced to seven points in the end.
Queens University 48-21 Nenagh Ormond, Dub Lane
Queens now hold a 14 point lead at the summit, their 11th bonus point win of the season as they had a competitive meeting with Nenagh, who remain in ninth, four points ahead of Rainey.
They built an early 10-0 lead before Nicky Irwin managed to ground for a Nenagh try, the conversion was good bringing it back to 10-7. Queens replied with two further tries just before the halftime break, for a 22-7 lead.
Another converted try saw Nenagh reduce the deficit, but the students replied well with a converted try of their own, leaving the score 29-14 early in the second half. Nenagh worked well to cross for a third try in the half, but the scoring exploits of the Ulstermen has been marvellous this season, they added three further tries before the referee blew to end the tie.
Rainey Old Boys 16-21 UL Bohemian, Hatrick Park
UL Bohemian climbed up to seventh in the table, after a narrow five point win over Rainey Old Boys, more misery for the Ulstermen, their tenth defeat of the season.
Bohs trailed 13-7 at the break, they managed a well taken converted try, but Old Boys battled hard getting over for a converted effort before kicking two penalties for a six point lead at the interval.
The Students worked hard in the second half, crossing for two further converted tries, as their hosts could only manage a penalty in the second half, a tight game toward the end but Bohemian working hardest for the points.
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.