Ulster Bank league: Galwegians stun Garryowen for first win in five

Galwegians caused one of the shocks of the weekend as they defeated play-off chasers Garryowen 30-17 at Crowley Park.

The third-from-bottom westerners won for the first time in five outings, with lively left winger John Cleary helping himself to a brace of tries.

Old Belvedere put a run of four straight defeats behind them with an excellent 26-15 win over Lansdowne on the Aviva Stadium’s back pitch.

Leinster’s Steve Crosbie played a pivotal role, converting his own try and kicking four penalties.

With their local rivals Garryowen losing in Galway, Young Munster dug deep to see off Ballynahinch’s challenge on a 7-6 scoreline in Greenfields.

A second-half penalty try proved enough for them in a defence-dominated clash.

Third-placed Munsters have opened up a nine-point lead on Garryowen, who currently hold the fourth and final play-off place, and David Corkery’s side sit just three points off top spot.

In Division 1B, Ballymena have fallen further behind in the promotion race after losing 18-16 away to seventh-placed Blackrock College. Second row John Burke touched down in each half as ’Rock gained their first win in four matches.

Barry Keeshan coolly converted Kevin Allen’s injury-time try as Dolphin denied bottom side Belfast Harlequins right at the death, edging their way to a 23-22 triumph at Musgrave Park.

Number 8 Tom Ryan and winger Tim Maupin scored two tries each as Dublin University ran out comfortable 43-17 winners over Old Wesley, keeping the pressure on leaders St Mary’s.

A terrific break and try from out-half Sean Kearns was the final score of Mary’s 19-16 win at home to Buccaneers, as the Dubliners made it ten victories in-a-row.

Kearns continues to top the scoring charts with a very impressive 140 points scored after 14 rounds.