AIB League: ‘Quins Up To Second

Andre Bester’s Belfast Harlequins moved up to second in Division One as tries from Mark Kettyle, Reece Spee and Paul McKenzie (2) gave them a 26-0 win over County Carlow at Deramore Park on Saturday.

Lansdowne moved off the bottom rung – to be replaced by Carlow – as full back Brian O’Mahony kicked an injury time drop goal in their 19-17 defeat of near-neighbours Blackrock at Stradbrook.

Winger Ian Hopkins scored a second half try for Andy Doyle’s visitors, after a Dave Dillon effort and three penalties from the boot of Conor Kilroy had given ‘Rock a 14-6 interval lead.

Andy Tallon chipped in with three penalties and a conversion to take his season’s tally up to 47 points.

At Stevenson Park, Jeremy Davidson’s Dungannon got a much-needed boost as they edged a disappointing Cork Con 21-14.

An early Gillan Carruthers try and nine points from the boot of Ireland Under-21 Gareth Steenson had ‘Gannon 14-3 up.

However a neat try from Con’s French centre Jean-Vincent Igarza – added to by three Barry Keeshan kicks – saw the sides level at the break.

With lock Tim Barker sent off for a second yellow card, ‘Gannon dug dip to move up to seventh in the standings, as scrum-half David Spence arrowed through late on for the winning touch down.

Bernie Kelly’s Galwegians side picked up their second win against more noted opponents in the space of three weeks, as they defeated Connacht rivals Buccaneers 20-17, in the weekend’s only other top flight game.

Justin Meagher – who was playing opposite his ‘Wegians centre brother, Stuart – had a chance to draw the game at the death for the Pirates, but his penalty attempt fell back off an upright.

Meagher converted both Buccs tries from Niall Smullen and Rory McCann earlier in the second half – after ‘Wegians – 10-6 conquerors of Con last month – had enjoyed a 17-0 lead at half-time.

The home side scored two tries – one from John Cleary, and the other a penalty try – as fit-again Connacht squad member David Slemen kicked two conversion and two penalties – the second just minutes into the second half.

AIB League: January 8-9 Results:

DIVISION ONE:

Belfast Harlequins 26 County Carlow 0, Deramore Park
Blackrock College 17 Lansdowne 19, Stradbrook
Dungannon 21 Cork Con 14, Stevenson Park
Galwegians 20 Buccaneers 17, Crowley Park

*Dublin University v Clontarf was postponed due to an unplayable pitch

DIVISION TWO:

Ballynahinch 3 Bective Rangers 0, Ballymacarn Park

Dolphin 40 Malone 0, Musgrave Park
Old Belvedere 8 Thomond 26, Anglesea Road
Terenure College 13 De La Salle Palmerston 9, Lakelands Park

UL Bohemian 11 St Mary’s College 13, Thomond Park
Waterpark 22 UCC 37, Ballinakill

*Old Crescent v Barnhall and Young Munster v Highfield were both postponed due to unplayable pitches

DIVISION THREE:

City of Derry 18 Sunday’s Well 3, Judge’s Road
Clonakilty 16 Suttonians 5, Shannonvale Cross

Corinthians 12 Connemara 14, Corinthian Park
Instonians 12 Greystones 24, Shaw’s Bridge
Old Wesley 27 Queen’s University 19, Donnybrook

Portadown 11 Ards 18, Chambers Lane
Wanderers 15 Skerries 9, Lansdowne Road

*Bruff v Ballina was postponed due an unplayable pitch