Ulster Bank League Div 1B: Quins go three points clear

Belfast Harlequins are now three points clear at the top of Ulster Bank League Division 1B after defeating UCC at Deramore Park this afternoon.

Adam Larkin’s side ran out 27-18 winners with an early try from the in-form Neil McComb setting them on their way in cold conditions.

Out-half Brian Kingston kicked penalties after 7 and 37 minutes for lowly UCC, but ‘Quins were full value for their 17-6 interval lead after Miles O’Hagan added a second try.

Credit to the Cork students, they made a real game of it with tries from Peter McCabe and Joe Holland closing the gap to just 20-18 with 54 minutes on the clock.

However, the hosts made certain of the four league points offer with a penalty try in the 73rd minute, which Stuart Olding converted to deny UCC a losing bonus point.

Three first half tries from Robin Harte, Aaron Ferris and James Thompson did most of the damage for Ballynahinch in their 22-14 home victory over Buccaneers.

Buccs hit back with second half touchdowns from Garrett Halligan and Connacht’s Mark McCrea, but ‘Hinch held on to move above the Pirates into third in the table.

Ballymena are still in second spot despite going down 31-28 to hosts UCD at Belfield today.

Former Ireland Under-20 prop James Tracy scored two of the students’ tries, while full-back Rodger McBurney helped himself to a hat-trick for the Braidmen.

Meanwhile, Galwegians’ trip to Dungannon was postponed due to the tragic death of one of their players, David O’Hara, earlier this week.