Proof, were it needed, that this is the most competitive and unpredictable Division 1A in many years was provided at Templeville Road where seventh-placed Lansdowne avenged a 32-26 defeat at home to St Mary’s in their last outing by ending the leaders’ five-match unbeaten run.
Charlie Tector kicked 16 points with a six-from-six haul to augment tries by Cillian Redmond and Greg McGrath in either half but it was Lansdowne’s defensive effort which really stood out as they restricted the previously free-scoring St Mary’s to just one second-half try by Conor Hayes.
Before this meeting, Mark McHugh’s newly promoted side had registered seven attacking bonus points and had picked up at least two points in their first nine games back in the top flight.
‘I’ve been involved a lot in turnarounds’: Michael Cheika on his coaching philosophy and career to date
St Mary’s remain top and Clontarf second after their match away to City of Armagh was rained off while Terenure stay in third after drawing 24-all away to Ballynahinch thanks to 14 points from the boot of fullback Aran Egan and tries by lock Adam Melia and Austrian outhalf Caspar Gabriel.
Conor Rankin converted tries by Claytan Milligan, Conor McKee and Tom McAllister and landed a penalty.
Con were the only movers of the weekend, their 26-17 win away to UCD moving them into the top four while Young Munster also completed a double over bottom – placed Garryowen in the Limerick derby at Dooradoyle with a 26-10 bonus point win.
All-Ireland League results
Men’s Division 1A: Garryowen 10 Young Munster 26; Ballynahinch 24 Terenure 24; City of Armagh v Clontarf, postponed; St Mary’s College 5 Lansdowne 26; UCD 17 Cork Constitution 26.
Division 1B: Blackrock College 27 Dublin University 22; Highfield 36 Shannon 10; Nenagh Ormond 38 UCC 34; Old Belvedere 23 Naas 10; Old Wesley 51 Queens 38.
Division 2A: Buccaneers 19 Corinthians 42; Ballymena v Navan postponed; Banbridge v Instonians postponed; Cashel v MU Barnhall postponed; Old Crescent 13 Greystones 25.
Division 2B: Clogher Valley v Rainey postponed; Galwegians 24 Sligo 7; Malone 15 Dungannon 17; UL Bohemian 47 Malahide 33; Wanderers 34 Skerries 20.
Division 2C: Ballyclare v Belfast Harlequins postponed; Bruff 7 Clonmel 28; Enniscorthy 16 Monkstown 10; Midleton 18 Dolphin 13; Tullamore 19 Omagh Academicals 13.
Women’s Division (all 5pm): Ballincollig 3 Railway Union 58; Cooke 22 Wicklow 27; Suttonians 20 Blackrock College 22; Tullow 5 Old Belvedere 45; UL Bohemian 50 Galwegians 17.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to the Counter Ruck podcast for the best rugby chat and analysis
