Banbridge stumble as nine teams still in line for promotion

AS many as nine teams are still in contention for promotion from Division Three following the weekend’s encounters in the AIB League.

Leaders Banbridge stuttered for the second time in three weeks when they lost comprehensively 22-7 to northern rivals Instonians, who moved into fifth place and are just two points off the pace with 36.

Wanderers, Highfield and Ards are locked together on 37 points with the Dubliners having a game in hand over the other two, but all three having games in hand over Banbridge.

Wanderers and Highfield had the weekend off and Ards took advantage when, travelling to Old Wesley, they won 13-8. They are now locked into a fearsome battle for the promotion place.

Clonakilty lost ground as a result of a 13-13 draw with Greystones at Shannonvale and while they are only in 10th place in the Division, they could still yet play a significant part in the promotion race and might even end up in the shake-up themselves.

The relegation race is even tighter with Ballina, Suttonians, Corinthians, Naas and Connemara all in the frame to go down.

Ballina prop up the table after losing 25-11 to City of Derry at Judges Road, while Suttonians lost heavily - 31-5 - to Queens University at Dub Lane.

Corinthians and Naas played each other at Corinthian Park and it was the visitors who took the spoils in a very tight encounter.

Naas scored three penalties to the try and a penalty was managed by the home side which was enough to give them the essential points and move ahead of Corinthians in the table.