Ulster Bank league Div 1B round-up

The two leading clubs in Division 1B played out a keenly-contested top-of-the-table clash at Dubarry Park where Buccaneers prevailed on a 24-17 scoreline.

Hosts Buccs got the better of a previously unbeaten Ballynahinch side and climbed above them in the standings in the process.

Ulster’s Ian Whitten struck for the opening try and tricky centre James Thompson also touched down, giving ‘Hinch a 14-11 advantage at half-time.

A late try from John O’Brien, set up by a terrific break from his back-three colleague Shane Layden, closed the gap for the Pirates approaching the break.

Young number 10 Jack Carty, who had an impressive day with the boot, kicked the Pirates level just two minutes after the resumption.

Ballynahinch’s Kiwi out-half James Lash and Carty swapped penalties and in a dramatic finale, Connacht Under-20 starlet Layden notched a deserved try to seal the home victory.

Carty added an excellent conversion from the touchline to push the winning margin out to seven points, and ‘Hinch were unable to respond in the dying minutes.

At the Mardyke, Belfast Harlequins got back to winning ways but were tested throughout by a young and talented UCC outfit.

The Ulster-capped Neil McComb, who was playing at number 8, struck for converted tries after 50 and 62 minutes to steer ‘Quins to a 23-20 comeback victory.

Luke Duffy and Brian Quill touched down in either half for the winless Cork students, who are struggling to get the results to match their efforts.

Ballymena lost their grip on a half-time lead as they fought out an 11-11 draw with UCD at Eaton Park.

The Braidmen’s openside Paul Pritchard scored a second half try but the visitors had a share of the spoils thanks to a Tom Fletcher try and Niall Earls’ second penalty of the afternoon.

Struggling Galwegians opened their win account at the fifth time of asking, overhauling Dungannon for a pride-restoring 28-24 success at Crowley Park.

Ulster prospect Peter Nelson scored a try and kicked two conversions as Dungannon took a 24-13 advantage early in the second half, with the bonus point also secured.

But ‘Wegians showed their mettle by hitting back with tries from Ivan Muldoon and replacement Dave Clarke, amid a fantastic spell of play from their forwards.

Excellent out-half Tadhg Leader chipped in with a penalty and a conversion, taking his personal haul to 13 points and giving the Sky Blues enough of a lead to see out this vital result.