Ulster Bank League Division 1B round-up

A converted try fourteen minutes into the second half gave Buccaneers a tight 12-8 victory over Division 1B rivals UL Bohemian at Annacotty.

The swirling wind posed problems for both place-kickers who were off target in the first half, at the end of which Bohs were 8-5 to the good.

Munster prospect JJ Hanrahan had the home side in front early on but Buccaneers struck for the opening try. It came after Cathal Sheridan, the UL Bohs scrum half, was sin-binned.

This spurred Buccs to go on the offensive and persistent pressure close-in was rewarded when full-back John O'Brien got in for a try.

Ben Martin replaced Chris Nairn on the wing for the home side who scored a spectacular try after 24 minutes.

They took a quick lineout throw inside their own 22, the ball was then moved wide and when Martin McPhail made a superb break through the middle, Darren Moroney was at his shoulder to take the pass and race in for a try that Hanrahan was unable to convert.

The only score of the second half was Martin Staunton's match-winning try which came following a series of pick and go drives for the line which eventually paid off for the Pirates.

Back-line talents Andrew Boyle and David McSharry crossed for first half tries which set UCD on the way to a 21-8 win over Bruff at Belfield.

Trailing 18-0 at the break, number 8 Michael Carroll grabbed Bruff’s only try but a penalty from replacement James Thornton wrapped up the result for the students.

At Ballymacarn Park, Division 1B leaders Ballynahinch made it four wins from four as they handed UCC a thumping 31-11 defeat.

The County Down side attacked off set piece ball to threaten the UCC line early on and when they flashed quick ruck ball wide, winger Aaron Ferris crossed for an 11th minute try.

UCC kept their composure and quickly responded through the boot of out-half Brian Kingston. His two penalties after 13 and 19 minutes gave them a brief 6-5 lead.

‘Hinch held dominance in the forwards and as the students conceded a number of penalties, they lost second row Brian Quill to the sin-bin and then scrum half Brian Slater followed him just three minutes later.

Following a series of five-metre scrums, Ballynahinch opted to move the ball wide again and full-back David Nicholson was on hand to five over for the second unconverted try.

With a wind advantage in the second half, ‘Hinch quickly built on their 10-6 half-time lead. They did so despite having second row Jonny Madden sin-binned for a deliberate infringement.

Centre Stuart Morrow surged through a midfield gap to set up a great attacking position and after two near misses, Ferris was sent in behind the posts for his second touchdown. This time James Lash converted.

‘Hinch prop Fergal Lynch was yellow carded on the hour mark after killing UCC ball at a ruck. Shortly afterwards, number 9 Slater broke from a scrum to score his side’s only try.

‘Hinch got back on top for the remainder though, Ulster flanker Willie Faloon smashing his way over by the posts for the bonus point try.

Lash converted and added a brilliant touchline kick after number 8 James Simpson powered through for try number five for the Ulstermen.

Meanwhile, Ballymena made it two league wins on the trot by overcoming Galwegians 32-19 on home turf.

They bagged the bonus point thanks to tries from Alasdair Frazer, John Semple, Stephen Mulholland and Ricky Andrew, with winger Semple also kicking 12 points.

The Ulster derby at Deramore Park went the way of Dungannon as they beat Belfast Harlequins 27-15, grabbing a bonus point in the process.

The Tyrone outfit were 20-3 to the good at half-time and their boss Justin Fitzpatrick will have been delighted to see prop Mark Farquhar and pacy backs Chris Cochrane, Chris Farrell and Peter Nelson cross the ‘Quins whitewash.