Clontarf win to keep the heat on Mary’s

St Mary’s College continue to set the pace in the Ulster Bank League after safely negotiating what might have been a tricky assignment against champions Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road.

Although Belvedere are having a torrid time this year, the close rivalry between the clubs was expected to bring out the best in the home side. However, the visitors ended up comfortable 27-10 winners, albeit short of a winning bonus point.

Clontarf continued their winning ways with a 22-14 win over Shannon at Thomond Park but, despite two tries from Limerick man Barry O’Mahony, they also came up short of a bonus point.

Meanwhile, Young Munster are back in the race courtesy of a 25-10 win over Blackrock College at Clifford Park and Lansdowne’s defeat to Cork Constitution. They go from fourth to third and are just one win away from rejoining St Mary’s at the top.

Con’s win puts them in fifth place, still eight points off the pace and coach Brian Walsh is aware they must continue to win to stay in the hunt.

The Ulster clubs continue to dominate Division 1B with Ballynahinch still leading despite losing to Belfast Harlequins, who take second spot on points difference.

Like Ballynahinch, Athlone’s Buccaneers managed to keep their position (third) despite losing at home to Ballymena, but they’re in the minority. Dungannon are in fifth and the battle will hot up in the weeks ahead between this group, who are only separated by two points.

There is no change at the top of Division 2A, following victories for Dublin University, DLSP and Queens University against Thomond, Malone and Old Wesley respectively.

Lowly Armagh provided Cashel with one of their sternest tests to date in Division 2B, but the Munster outfit managed to secure an invaluable 20-16 win to keep them top.

Banbridge moved up a place with a fine 24-5 win on the road against Nenagh Ormond and a draw for NUIM Barnhall against Wanderers put them into third place.