Sexton’s finishing powers Mary’s over the line on final day of title drama

You could hardly have asked for a more exciting and dramatic finale to the Ulster Bank League Division 1A title battle on Saturday, with St Mary’s College claiming the prize with a late try against Young Munster to deny Clontarf whose late victory over Lansdowne was not enough.

Mark Sexton, brother of international Jonathan, proved to be the hero as the title went back to Templeville Road for the first time in 12 years. He came off the bench to score two crucial tries, the second in the 78th minute, against a dogged 14-man Young Munster side, who produced a marvellous rearguard performance in the last quarter to do everything but deny the home side.

Darragh O’Neill’s red card offence for a tip tackle in the sixth minute threatened to turn this game into a one-sided affair. But Young Munster were well worth their 13-3 half-time lead with the forwards forcing St Mary’s to play second fiddle.

Exhaustion played a part as the game wore on but Mary’s needed the class of Sexton at the end.

Having trailed 3-20 at one point and 10-20 at half time, Clontarf mounted an amazing second-half comeback to defeat Lansdowne 28-27. However, that late winning try from Sexton meant the trophy would stay in Templeville Road rather than the Aviva Stadium.

Blackrock College produced a huge performance at Stradbrook in their bid to avoid relegation but ultimately came up short when Garryowen took the points on a 33-27. ‘Rock will play their rugby next season in Division 1B after Old Belvedere’s 25-22 win over Cork Constitution in Temple Hill. They now meet Belfast Harlequins for the right to stay in the top flight as Shannon stayed afloat with an emphatic 28-3 win over Dolphin.

The late surge enjoyed by UL Bohemian continued at Annacotty when they trounced Belfast Harlequins 34-14 to take the Division 1B title.

There was plenty of excitement at the other end of the table too. UCD beat Dungannon and Bruff pulled themselves clear with a win over Buccaneers, while Galwegians’ loss to Ballynahinch consigned them to relegation with UCC.

Highfield celebrated promotion to Division 2A when they beat Thomond 20-13 to go up, while Thomond move down to Division 2B.

Monivea’s brave bid to move up from junior ranks ended when Ards secured a 30-17 home win to allow them stay in Division 2B next season.