While UL Bohs had a bye week, there was Round 2 AIL action for Young Munster and Garryowen over the weekend.
Young Munster fall upwards
Still searching for their first win of the season, Young Munster travelled to Castle Avenue hoping to claim a major scalp. Last year’s champions Clontarf weren’t going to go quietly, however, with the Cookies coming up just short on a scoreline of 28-26 after a hard-fought comeback saw them secure two losing bonus points.
The game started poorly for the visitors, conceding three unanswered tries in the first 40. Ger Slattery’s men finally found their rhythm 10 minutes into the second half. Winger Hubert Gilvarry opened the scoring for the visitors, with Shane O’Leary adding the extras. Clontarf’s Conor Kelly responded with a score of his own, adding the conversion that followed to bring the score to 28-7.
Academy player Shay McCarthy delivered the Cookies a lifeline with a brace in quick succession. The home side supporters were treated to nervy closing minutes as they attempted to hold the lead. The clock was well into the red when O’Leary crossed the whitewash for the Cookies. In the end, the only difference between the sides was an errant conversion from O’Leary’s boot earlier in the game.
Despite the disastrous opening half, Young Munster showed excellent resolve to secure two losing bonus points. The result lifts them out of the early relegation playoff position and into 7th. The Cookies welcome Lansdowne to Tom Clifford Park in two weeks’ time. They will hope to take inspiration from their second half resurgence and claim their first win of the AIL season.
Rout in Dooradoyle
In Division 1B, Limerick sides fared much better. Garryowen welcomed the recently promoted Instonians to Dooradoyle last weekend. Still yet to taste defeat this season, Mike Sherry’s men set out on a mission to welcome their opponents to Division 1.
In a game that ended 37-14 to the hosts, it was the backline that really shone. Outside centre Alex Wood was named Garryowen’s player of the game following his well taken hat-trick.
Fullback Fionn Rowsome, outhalf Lachlan Stewart, and Number 8 Des Fitzgerald all scored once for the home side in what turned into a rout in Dooradoyle. Stewart added two conversions and a penalty kick to bring the final score to 37-14. Instonians secured two consolation scores through centre Bevan Prinsloo and scrumhalf Ruairi O’Farrell.
Garryowen move to 2nd in the table, closing the gap on Old Wesley. They travel to Stradbrook Park to take on Blackrock College on October 25 in hopes of continuing their flying form.
UL Bohs rested and ready
UL Bohemians women’s side returns to action in the topflight of AIL next weekend, hosting Old Belvedere in Annacotty. The reigning champions currently have started strongly this season, currently sitting in second place and looking to catch Galwegians at the top of the table.