Old Belvedere were the main movers in Ulster Bank League Division 1A on Saturday, climbing two places to fifth as Josh Glynn's impressive 17-point tally propelled them a 25-13 victory over UCD at Anglesea Road.
Leinster 'A' star Ross Byrne knocked over an early 25-metre penalty for UCD and his cross-field kick then set up winger Sam Coghlan Murray for his third try in two games. Byrne added a touchline conversion.
Two Glynn penalties sandwiched a Byrne effort by the half-hour mark and despite losing hooker Cathal O'Flynn to the sin bin, 'Belvo went through the phases to set up recent Leinster cap Steve Crosbie for a drop goal.
Momentum
That cut UCD’s lead to 13-9 at half-time and with the students having flanker Donagh Lawler yellow carded, the momentum was with Old Belvedere.
The trusty right boot of Glynn converted a 42nd penalty, and UCD found themselves trailing for the first time when the winger split the posts again 11 minutes later. Moving into the final quarter, 'Belvo fell just short of scoring a try during a long spell of dominance, but a further penalty and a yellow card for UCD's Jordan Coghlan saw Glynn make it 18-13.
Bobby Byrne’s young side were still in contention until Old Belvedere replacement Aaron Sheehan drove over six minutes from time for a converted try, putting the final outcome beyond doubt.
Young Munster lost ground in the title race as their three-match winning run was ended by struggling St Mary’s College who gave themselves a timely lift with a 21-15 triumph at Templeville Road.
Leinster ‘A’ out-half Cathal Marsh’s haul of seven penalty goals led Peter Smyth’s men their first win in four outings. Dolphin registered their third successive draw when their clash with Ballynahinch finished 7-7 at Ballymacarn Park.
Clontarf’s grip on the league trophy was loosened more as Cork Constitution beat the defending champions 13-10 at Temple Hill. Flanker James Murphy’s 79th-minute try edged Con over the finish line.
Meanwhile, Galwegians moved seven points clear at the top of Division 1B after a superb 34-25 bonus point win at home to Malone. Galwegians ran in six tries, including two for young winger Conor Lowndes.
Ireland Under-20 and Munster Academy winger Alex Wootton was the star of the show for Garryowen as his hat-trick of tries helped them to overcome Ballymena 32-24 at Dooradoyle.
Corinthians bagged their second try-scoring bonus point of the season when beating Belfast Harlequins 26-15. Buccaneers staged a gutsy second half fight-back to draw 20-20 with Dublin University at Dubarry Park.
