Highfield’s heroics rewarded with 2B title

There was plenty of excitement in all five divisions of the Ulster Bank League, but nothing could match the drama at Woodleigh Park in Cork, as Highfield came from behind to beat Bective Rangers 59-7 and sensationally claim the 2B championship.

Five defeats in their last six games left seasonal pace-setters City of Derry in a vulnerable position going into the last match. They won against MU Barnhall, but not by enough as Highfield threw everything they had at their visitors to secure a bonus point and take the title on points scoring difference.

St Mary’s College (Div 1B), Naas (Div 2A) and Old Crescent (Div 2C) were also confirmed as champions at the weekend. But the achievement of the day must surely go to the ‘Field, who have now gone from 2C to 2A in successive seasons under head coach Tim Ryan.

Div 1A top four play-offs:

Clontarf v UCD *Young Munster/Cork Con v Cork Con/Young Munster

Division 1B:

Promoted: St Mary’s College. *Promotion play-offs: Galwegians/Terenure v Buccaneers/Old Wesley. Relegated: Belfast Harlequins.

Division 2A:

Promoted: Naas. *Promotion play-offs: Dolphin/Blackrock/UL Bohemians v Cashel Banbridge v UCC. Relegated: Thomond.

Division 2B:

Promoted: Highfield. Promotion play-offs: Skerries v Greystones, City of Derry v Sunday’s Well. Relegated: Seapoint.

Division 2C:

Promoted: Old Crescent. Promotion play-offs: Rainey OB v Wanderers Tullamore v Bruff. Relegated: Dundalk.

Round robin:

Bangor, Clonmel, Enniscorthy, Westport.

Winners promoted, the second team plays Sligo (second last in Division 2C).

Weekend round robin: Bangor 24 Westport 7, Clonmel v Enniscorthy postponed. *Depends on next week’s final series of matches in Divisions 1A and 1B.