Top three all lose in Ulster Bank Division 1B

In a stunning run of results, the top three teams in Division 1B all suffered defeats today with Belfast Harlequins’ lead now standing at four points with just three rounds remaining.

The promotion race is a fascinating one with just seven points covering the top six in the table. Buccaneers, in sixth, remain in the hunt despite being hammered 47-3 by Dungannon at Stevenson Park.

A first-half blitz helped Dungannon collect their second successive bonus point victory, stinging promotion rivals Buccaneers in the process.

The Tyrone side kept their hopes of gaining promotion alive with a storming performance in front of their home support, with winger Michael Lawton scoring a hat-trick of tries and six conversions.

He touched down either side of half-time, adding to earlier efforts from James McMahon and the Ulster-capped Conor Gaston.

Buccaneers, third before kick-off, were 19-3 adrift at the turnaround and could not mount a comeback as ‘Gannon, who are up to fifth position, added further tries through Lawton, McMahon and Ulster winger Chris Cochrane.

Ballynahinch overturned a half-time deficit to beat Ballymena 25-20 in a hotly-contested Ulster derby at Ballymacarn Park.

James Thompson, Gavin Armstrong and replacement Robert Greer were the ‘Hinch try scorers as they climbed into second place, level on points with UL Bohemians whom they meet on April 14.

Bohs got off to a whirlwind start against UCD at Annacotty this afternoon when Munster hooker Sean Henry grabbed the first of their five tries after just two minutes.

In-form winger Finbarr Aherne added another in the ninth minute, followed by the first score of centre Martin McPhail’s brace.

Niall Earls kicked two penalties to open UCD’s account and tries from Alex Kelly and Risteard Byrne gave the contest a bit of late momentum.

But by that stage, UL had the bonus point wrapped up with Keith McManus dotting down. The 31-20 verdict sees Colm Tucker’s men maintain their impressive run - they have now won five of their last six league games.

Galwegians made it back-to-back triumphs in Division 1B courtesy of a dominant display against hosts UCC at the Mardyke.

Colin Conroy scooted over for two tries to set ‘Wegians on their way and Brian McClearn added a third five minutes before the interval, making it 20-3.

Ten minutes into the second half, UCC were back in the hunt at 23-15 down. Joe Holland, Wayne Falvey and Luke Duffy crossed the visitors’ whitewash in the second half, but the Cork students’ comeback bid fell frustratingly short.

Their defence was too lacklustre and they leaked further tries to Isaac O’Grady (60 minutes) and Matt Dever (70) as ‘Wegians followed up their recent 90th anniversary celebrations with a confidence-boosting result.

Meanwhile, at Deramore Park, Belfast Harlequins remain in pole position for promotion despite going down 26-23 to a determined Bruff outfit.

A converted try from lock Maurice O’Connell had Bruff 13-9 to the good at half-time.

‘Quins looked to be turning the screw when replacement Michael Ferguson touched down in the 53rd minute, with Ian Porter converting for a 16-13 lead.

But precise place-kicking from Bruff number 10 Brian Cahill - he finished with 16 points in all - and an important second touchdown from winger Tom O’Callaghan (72 minutes) saw the Limerick men make it a superb four wins on the trot.