Student teams top AIB League table for first time

FOR the first time in the history of the AIB League, two student teams top the charts.

The division one table is headed by UCD on points difference from Clontarf while Dublin University are running close with a win and a draw from their two games to date.

UCD enjoyed an excellent 30-17 win over Dungannon at Stevenson Park, turning around from 10-17 down to score crucial second half tries.

Trinity, meanwhile, produced a powerful forward display to out-muscle Buccaneers by 20 points to 10 and that came as a big shock to the midlands side who opened the league campaign with an impressive 18-12 win over Cork Constitution the week before.

Clontarf found it much harder than anticipated to overcome County Carlow at Oak Park. Former Clontarf player Richard Murphy kicked a penalty for the home side and Brian Murphy got another after the former was replaced through injury.

But Clontarf just about did enough with Irish under 21 out half David McAllister kicking two penalties and Niall O’Brien getting the all important try.

Blackrock came good at Stradbrook when enterprising rugby proved too much for Belfast Harlequins.

Conor Kilroy and Thomas Horner exchanged penalties but Blackrock’s superior finishing power yielded three tries and helped them to a 22-14 win.