Queens University will meet their title rivals from last season MU Barnhall in the 1B/2A Promotion/Relegation Final as both recorded wins in their respective semi-finals at the weekend.
Cashel (2T) 23-25 MU Barnhall (3T), Spafield
A late Adam Chester penalty was the difference as MU Barnhall booked their ticket for the 1B/2A Play-Off Final with a last-gasp win over Cashel.
It was an exciting opening half to proceedings with Barnhall ahead by a single point at the break 15-14. James Ryan and Jack Evenden added tries for Cashel in the opening half converted by Ben Twomey. Barnhall however saw Abdul Olaosebikan and JP Botha power over for tries and a conversion and penalty by Chester had the visitors in front.
Discipline hindered the Kildare side’s chances in the second half. Conceding an early penalty allowed Twomey to kick for the lead and after two more Twomey penalties which arrived as Barnhall were put down to 13 men for two consecutive yellow cards, the hosts were ahead 23-15.
The day in the end would belong to Barnhall. Botha added his second try and Chester cut the gap to two points. Right at the death another penalty awarded Chester a kick at the posts, this time Cashel had their discipline cost them, Chester dissecting the uprights for a spot in the Play-Off Final.
Queens University (8T) 59-17 Banbridge (3T), Dub Lane
Queens took the Ulster Derby bragging rights with an impressive display over Banbridge in the Dub.
The hosts were impressive and struck three tries in the opening half to build a strong foundation. Matthew Miller and a Johnny Hunter brace of tries converted by Ben McFarlane along with McFarlane adding three from the tee gave the hosts a healthy 24-5 cushion at the break. Neil Kilpatrick crossing for the visitors.
Into the second half and Banbridge drew first blood, Stuart Cromie with a try and Jack Hart converted to cut the gap to 12 points. Queens just had that bit between their teeth in that second half and in the end grabbed the scores for the win.
Harvey Patterson, Rory Telfer, Rory Ellerby, Joe Hopes and Henry Walker all crossed for tries. McFarlane converted all five tries. Rob Lytte grabbed a further try for Banbridge in the second half.
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.