Plenty to play for in final Division 1B games

WITH Cork Constitution sealing a home draw and most likely top spot in Division 1A courtesy of a 22-0 win over St Mary’s College, there was an amazing sequence of results in Division 1B over the weekend.

For the first time this season, all four results went in favour of the away teams, with UL Bohemian scuttling leaders Clontarf and Lansdowne producing a fine victory away to Bruff, a win that pushes them into second place because Buccaneers surprisingly lost at home to Dungannon.

Galwegians produced another surprise when they secured a win over UCC at the Mardyke to keep their hopes of staying in the division alive.

It’s all to play for next week for Galwegians, who can avoid the drop with victory over UL Bohemian at Crowley Park.

However, the visitors will start favourites, particularly after their stirring away triumph at Clontarf.

For Bruff, it’s also make-or-break day. They must beat Clontarf at home to possibly avoid dropping into Division 2, while UCC have pressurised themselves and must win away to Dungannon.

The status quo remains in Division 3 with UCD and Ballynahinch already promoted.

The Ulster side overpowered Old Crescent by 46-17 while UCD beat Thomond 34-12 at Fitzgerald Park. The Limerick side are bottom but have a game in hand over Old Crescent and Clonakilty, the teams directly above them, giving them three games to get it right.

Clonakilty are better positioned following a 20-13 win over Midleton although they’re not out of the woods either. The battle continues at the head of the division, with Seapoint holding top spot following a fine away win over Navan.

Greystones moved into second after a big home win over Naas and City of Derry also did them a favour by surprisingly defeating Instonians at Judge’s Road.

The 30-23 win forced Instonians to drop to third and Derry, in fourth position just a point adrift, are poised to take further advantage in the race for promotion.