UL Bohemians promoted to club rugby's top table

UL Bohemians are celebrating on the double tonight after winning the Division 1B title and securing promotion to the Ulster Bank League's top flight.

They enjoyed a superb 34-13 final day victory over long-time table toppers Belfast Harlequins at Annacotty.

That result, allied to UCD's defeat of Dungannon, confirmed Colm Tucker's side as champions and a Division 1A side for next season.

A last-minute try from Sean Rennison, converted by man-of-the-match Ben Martin, gave UL their bonus point.

The home side got off to a whirlwind start with two converted tries inside six minutes. Rory Whyte grabbed the first after only three minutes which Martin converted.

The Australian playmaker also added the extras to a Darren Moroney effort three minutes later.

'Quins, the table toppers ahead of the final round of games, got back into contention when Michael Allen touched down and they also earned a penalty try, with both scores converted by Stuart Olding.

The influential Martin raced in for a third try for Bohs which he also converted to make it 21-14 at the interval.

Two penalties by Martin, the first after only three minutes, edged the home side 27-14 clear but two minutes from the end came the crowning glory when back rower Rennison rampaged over.

It was a smashing finish to the league campaign for Tucker's charges which have put in some sparkling performances during the concluding rounds.

Meanwhile, Bohs' Limerick neighbours Bruff made sure of their Division 1B survival when they came from behind to snatch a late 20-18 win over Buccaneers at Kilballyowen Park.

The visitors got off to a bright start and jumped into a 12-0 lead with the first of two tries by centre Paul Harte. Jack Carty converted one of the tries and also landed a penalty.

As so often throughout the season, Brian Cahill was the Bruff hero and he brought them back into contention with a try which he converted himself.

Though Buccs led 15-7 at the interval, John Shine got in for a try and when Cahill landed a penalty the game was thrown wide open.

Carty kicked another penalty to put Buccs back in front, but four minutes from the end Mark Cosgrave's try decided it in Bruff's favour.

Elsewhere in the division, Galwegians were relegated to Division 2A after losing 29-20 to Ballynahinch. They gave themselves too much ground to make up after falling 21-0 behind at Ballymacarn Park.

Fergal Lynch, James Simpson, Aaron Ferris and Ulster's Ian Whitten all touched down for 'Hinch, helping them take a 26-10 advantage into the break.

A single second half penalty from Harry McAleese was enough for the County Down side to triumph, although 'Wegians did rally with tries from Connacht's Eoin McKeon and in-form centre Brian Murphy.

UCD avoided the drop with a rousing 36-23 success over title-chasing Dungannon at Belfield. The students produced their best 80 minutes of the season at just the right time, with winger Sam Coghlan Murray scoring two of their five tries.

At Eaton Park, an already relegated UCC side slipped to a 41-6 defeat to Ballymena. It was all too easy for the hosts who finished their campaign with a flourish.

Tries from Stephen Mulholland, Alasdair Frazer, Ross Hackney, Caolan Fitzpatrick, Martin Irwin and Ian Vance, allied to a penalty try, helped the Braidmen secure a fifth place finish.