Brave Bruff advance to face mighty Lansdowne

BRUFF’S fairytale season continued apace as they earned a crack at the AIB All-Ireland League Division Two crown next month with a convincing semi-final win over Terenure College.

Having only joined the junior ranks in 2004, the Co Limerick outfit’s star has been in the ascendancy since, and they have already earned promotion to Division 1B.

And they were comfortable 35-13 winners over a game ‘Nure side at Kilballyowen Park on Saturday, surging ahead in the second half after taking a slim 6-3 lead to the half-time break.

Patrick Thompson, Alan Burke, Peter Malone and David Gardiner shared the tries, while Brian Cahill’s ever-reliable boot did the rest.

They will now bid to become only the second side to defeat Lansdowne this season, after the Dubliners cruised to a 40-8 win over DLSP, largely inspired by try doubles for Ron Boucher and Matt Healy. The sides will meet in a Friday night decider at Anglesea Road on May 7.

Meanwhile, Queen’s University continued their free-scoring ways in the Division Three semi-final, scoring six tries as they pulled away after the break to rout Banbridge 41-22.

That brought their tally for the season to 621 points in 16 games, and Nenagh Ormond will have some job containing the Belfast students in the final, also on May 7 at Anglesea Road.

Elsewhere, Seapoint have secured senior status for the first time in their 75-year history, routing Monivea 33-7 to win the provincial league play-offs.

It was the biggest game in Seapoint’s 75-year history and they certainly delivered, as a tremendous 33-7 win over Monivea booked the south Dublin club’s place in AIB League Division Three for next season.

City of Derry will have a shot at joining them following their 55-3 win over Limerick side Richmond. They now face Ulster rivals Portadown in a promotion/relegation play-off to decide the 16th and final team to compete in the AIB League next term.