Round 5 of AIL action saw Young Munster get back on track with a convincing win over Old Belvedere. Garryowen, meanwhile, fell to a strong Old Wesley side at home. UL Bohs enjoyed a weekend off after a series of convincing wins. It sees them sitting just behind Galwegians at the top of the table.
Cookies secure first win of season
Young Munster claimed their first scalp of the season, edging Old Belvedere 22-13 at Tom Clifford Park. The home side fell behind to an early penalty and turned to their pack for an answer. Liam McMahon delivered, getting on the end of a powerful maul with the extras added by Shane O’Leary.
Old Belvedere responded with a penalty to bring the score within one point. Cookies responded better; however, another strong display from a lineout maul saw them stopped just short of the line. The writing was on the wall for the visitors, and Orin Burke crashed over from close range a few phases later. This time outhalf Kelvin Langan converted to bring the scoreline to 14-6 heading into the break.
It was Young Munster who came out firing in the second half, getting on top of the setpiece early. Having worked all the way into the 22, Cookies handling betrayed them. Old Belvedere scooped up the loose ball and went the other way. It was the visitors’ one and only try of the evening and came against the run of play, once again brought the scoreline within one.
O’Leary kicked a penalty to put some breathing room between the sides before McMahon crashed over for his second of the evening. All behind a maul that was causing serious problems for the Dublin side.
Video: Irish Rugby
The win means Young Munster switch places with Old Belvedere on the table, moving into 7th. The Cookies will be glad to end this block on a win and will hope to keep this momentum going. AIL action resumes for the side on November 15, travelling to UCD.
Garryowen fall to table toppers
Three of Keith Wood’s sons played for Garryowen last weekend; Gordon and Alex joined forces in the centre while Tom lined out at fullback. That was the only feel-good story for the Dooradoyle side however, as Mike Sherry’s men failed to secure a bonus point in a 41-17 loss to visitors Old Wesley.
The Dublin side entered the weekend determined to maintain their position at the top of the Division 1B table and managed to do so with a six-try display away from home. Garryowen fought well, scoring through captain Des Fitzgerald and winger Sean Sexton. Fullback Tom Wood slotted a conversion and penalty, with outhalf Lachlan Stewart adding a conversion of his own.
Garryowen now sits in 7th in Division 1B and will have a week off to reset before travelling to the Palace Grounds to take on City of Armagh.
UL Bohs rest and recuperate
The UL Bohs women’s team return to AIL action this weekend after a well-earned break. They face Cooke RFC at home in Annacotty as they hope to build on their momentum before the break.