Round 2 of All-Ireland League action produced a mixed bag for Limerick’s senior clubs last weekend. The three teams in top-flight action managed the trifecta of results – a win, a loss, and a draw across the divisions.
Young Munster’s search for first win continues
In Division 1A, Young Munster are still chasing their first win of the season. The Cookies entered the weekend eager to put their agonising Round 1 loss to Ballynahinch behind them, one that ended 35-33 with a 78th minute missed shot at goal deciding it.
In a low-scoring affair, Young Munster lost their home-opener against St Mary’s College RFC on a scoreline of 15-8. The Cookies found themselves 12 nil down after 25 minutes.
The visitors opened the scoring with a try through fullback Ruairí Shields that went unconverted by Mick O’Gara. He quickly made up for his error off the tee by claiming a try of his own, making no mistake with the conversion this time around.
Young Munster responded with a try through winger Hubert Gilvarry just after half time but failed to add the extras. Both teams exchanged penalties in the closing stages with Shane O’Leary’s attempt in the 83rd minute securing a losing bonus point for the home side.
The loss leaves Young Munster ninth in the division, occupying an early relegation playoff spot. They’ll hope for a change in fortunes this Saturday when they travel to Castle Avenue to play last year’s champions Clontarf.
Garryowen snatch draw from jaws of defeat
In Division 1B, Garryowen travelled to the Dub Arena to face Queen’s University Belfast. Fresh off the high of Round 1’s come-from-behind victory over last year’s finalists Cork Con, the Limerick club was hoping to do the same when they faced Queen’s.
Launching late comebacks seems to be a bit of a trend for Mike Sherry’s men this season – as they again tried to erase a late deficit last weekend but fell just short.
Clein added another try to his season tally with Des Fitzgerald and William Hayes crossing for one each. Tom Wood converted once to bring the score level at 17-17.
The result places Garryowen fourth and firmly in the early playoff picture. The Dooradoyle side will look to build on their early season performances next week when the recently promoted Instonians come to town.
UL Bohs women make it two from two
In the Women’s Division, UL Bohs recorded Limericks only win of the weekend with an emphatic 44-17 dismantling of Railway Union.
The Bohs wasted no time welcoming the visitors, with fullback Caitriona Finn crossing the whitewash in the first minute and converting her own try. The Dublin side ran in two scores in quick succession, both converted by Nikki Caughey to take the lead 14-7.
What followed can only be described as a dominant display by the Bohs as they ran in seven tries to just one penalty for the visitors, punctuated by Alana McInerney completing her hat-trick in the final minutes.
The result follows a convincing 21-12 win away to Blackrock College in Round 1 which places the Limerick ladies second in the table, only one point off Galwegians. They host Old Belvedere in two weeks’ time as they look to continue their top form.