Shock defeat for division leaders St Mary's

AIB LEAGUE DIVISION 1A:

UL Bohemians 25 St. Mary’s College 20

St. Mary's College remain top of AIB League Division 1A but they suffered their first defeat of the current campaign when bottom side UL Bohemians shocked them at Thomond Park Stadium this afternoon.

This was a thrilling contest and a great advert for the club game with battling UL Bohs ended their four-match losing streak in the top flight.

Powerful lock Robin Copeland scored his fifth try in as many games for St. Mary's College when he touched down after 13 minutes.

UL Bohs had taken the lead three minutes earlier when Munster recruit Danny Riordan outstripped the visitors' defence for a try which out-half Fergal Lawlor converted.

Copeland's try got St. Mary's up and running and while a Lawlor penalty made it 10-5 midway through the first half, the visitors were next to score.

This time, winger Darragh Fanning went over sufficiently close to the posts to enable full-back Gavin Dunne to land the conversion and have the Dubliners 12-10 in front at the interval.

A penalty by Dunne nudged the Saints further in front, but Riordan rose to the occasion with his second try. Lawlor's successful conversion left only two points between the sides.

It looke ominous for the hosts when the fleet-footed Fanning got in for his second try.

However, the Limerick men enjoyed a stunning finish to the game. A try by Torrie made it 22-20 before a penalty a few minute from the end by Lawlor sparked off great relief for UL Bohs and a rousing rendition of the club song, 'The Red, Red Robin.'

Scorers:

UL Bohemians: Tries: Danny Riordan 2, Ed Torrie; Cons: Fergal Lawlor 2; Pens: Fergal Lawlor 2

St. Mary’s College: Tries: Darragh Fanning 2, Robin Copeland; Con: Gavin Dunne; Pen: Gavin Dunne