AIL round-up: Students top of the class after Halloween heroics

The Halloween festivities over the weekend were all the sweeter for student sides Dublin University and UL Bohemians who sit proudly at the top of Ulster Bank League Divisions 1A and 1B, respectively.

Notably, Leinster and Ireland hooker Richardt Strauss played over a half for Old Wesley as he continues his comeback from knee surgery, while recovering Munster centre Sam Arnold got game-time in the second half of Garryowen’s 27-14 loss to Dublin University.

The Light Blues’ early tries from prop Niall Horan and centre Peadar Collins seemed to spur Trinity into action at Dooradoyle, converted scores from number 8 Tom Ryan and impressive lock Pierce Dargan seeing the visitors take a 17-14 half-time lead.

As Tony Smeeth’s youngsters pushed on, a 43rd minute penalty from Jack McDermott was supplemented by a well-taken try from winger Colm Hogan — his fourth of the campaign — for a 13-point winning margin.

The returning Danny Riordan and recent Munster recruit Steve Crosbie failed to inspire Old Belvedere as the round 4 leaders lost 20-14 to Cork Constitution at Anglesea Road. Con out-half Tomas Quinlan ruled the roost with five well-struck penalties.

Young Munster hold second place following their 37-31 bonus-point victory over UCD, with locks Alan Ross and Alan Kennedy notching two of the Cookies’ four second half tries.

Five points cover the top seven clubs in the table, with Friday night winners Lansdowne back up to third.

Second-half tries from Terry Kennedy and man-of-the-match Jordan Larmour saw St. Mary’s defeat local rivals Terenure 17-13.

In Division 1B, unbeaten UL Bohs stretched their lead to five points following a well-judged 25-15 bonus point triumph over Ballymena. Adding to first-half tries from Andy Rowsome, Brian Walsh, and Jamie McNamara, loosehead Joey Conway’s 76th-minute score in the corner ensured the Red Robins have 24 points pocketed out of a possible 25.

Bohs’ next opponents Buccaneers battled past Dolphin on a 31-22 scoreline in Cork thanks to 13 closing points — Alan Gaughan kicked two penalties and converted replacement Eoghan O’Reilly’s try.

Naas stung Ballynahinch with a sizzling six-try display, winning 41-26 at Ballymacarn Park with Fionn Carr scoring his third try of the season and big Samoan replacement Paulie Tolofua running in a brilliant breakaway score from halfway.

Old Wesley and Galwegians shared out eight tries in an electric encounter at Donnybrook. Connacht centre Rory Parata bagged two of ‘Wegians’ four first-half touchdowns.

Despite leading 25-18 at half-time, the visitors suffered after captain Brian Murphy was shown a second yellow card. Replacement David Henshaw crossed from a maul and Kiwi Isaac Leota’s intercept effort wrapped up Wesley’s 35-25 win.