Round four of the Energia All-Ireland League delivered everything Irish rugby supporters look for: tight finishes, dramatic comebacks and statement wins across the divisions. Old Belvedere moved to the top of Division 1A after edging Clontarf, while Ballynahinch, Instonians and Garryowen all showed outstanding resilience to secure memorable victories.
With the league table beginning to take shape, the latest sports Ireland supporters are following closely was packed with competitive club rugby and decisive performances.
Old Belvedere claim top spot in Division 1A
Old Belvedere produced the headline result of the weekend with an 11-7 win over Clontarf at Ollie Campbell Park. The hosts led early through two Sam Wisniewski penalties, but Clontarf responded when Dylan Donnellan crossed and Conor Kelly converted.
Replacement George Hadden then supplied the crucial moment, scoring in the 61st minute. Belvedere protected their narrow lead under late pressure to move top of the division.
Ballynahinch also showed composure in a 21-17 home victory over Lansdowne. The visitors started quickly through Juan Beukes, but Conor Rankin’s accurate kicking and a try from Ryan Connolly helped the hosts establish a 16-5 half-time lead.
Claytan Milligan extended Ballynahinch’s advantage after the interval. Lansdowne finished strongly, with Daniel Hurley and Beukes scoring late, but the home side held on.
Wesley and Terenure deliver Dublin wins
Old Wesley impressed at Energia Park, defeating Young Munster 26-7. Early tries from Matias Jensen and Paidi Farrell put Wesley in control, before Rian Handley and Liam Grover completed a bonus-point performance in the second half.
Terenure College claimed local bragging rights with a 17-12 victory over St Mary’s College. The visitors led at different stages of a lively first half, but Terenure’s tries from Bryan O’Connor and Peter Sylvester, followed by Aran Egan’s second-half penalty, proved enough.
UCD completed the Division 1A round with an 18-13 win over Cork Constitution. Charlie Molony and Maxim Aschenbrenner scored for the students, while Paddy Clancy’s goal-kicking helped them withstand a late Cork Con challenge.
Division 1B produces two dramatic recoveries
Instonians staged one of the weekend’s most impressive turnarounds, recovering from a 20-0 deficit against Naas before winning 32-27 at Shaw’s Bridge. Naas scored three early tries, but Instonians steadily worked their way back into contention.
Oli Clark scored twice, Jack Parkinson added another try and Bevan Prinsloo completed the comeback with a dramatic score three minutes into stoppage time.
Garryowen also left it late, defeating UCC 25-23 at the Mardyke. UCC’s Ronan Byrd scored twice and Gene O’Leary Kareem contributed eight points, but Garryowen responded through Joe Finn and Blayze Molloy before a late penalty try completed the turnaround.
Blackrock College held off City of Armagh 19-17, while Dublin University enjoyed a dominant first half in a 29-7 victory over Nenagh Ormond. Highfield secured a narrow 17-15 win over MU Barnhall, with replacement Conor Galvin scoring twice.
Big wins and late drama in Divisions 2A and 2B
Ballymena overturned a 12-3 half-time deficit to beat Galwegians 17-12, scoring twice shortly after the restart. Dungannon defeated Shannon 14-9, Greystones overcame Queen’s University 17-7 and Corinthians kept UL Bohemian scoreless in a 19-0 success.
Wanderers also secured a bonus-point result, beating Cashel 29-10.
Banbridge produced another late finish in Division 2B North, edging Enniskillen 18-17 after Zac Solomon crossed in the 74th minute. Malahide defeated Sligo 23-10, Navan overcame Ballyclare 13-8, Malone beat Rainey 15-10 and Clogher Valley saw off Skerries 24-19.
Bective and Midleton lead the scoring charge
Bective Rangers recorded the biggest win of the round, running in nine tries during a 59-7 victory over Buccaneers at Dubarry Park. Matthew Gilsenan scored twice, while David Fitzgibbon converted seven tries.
Midleton were similarly dominant, defeating Monkstown 46-7 as captain JB Du Toit completed a hat-trick. Old Crescent kept Enniscorthy scoreless in a 26-0 win, Clonmel beat Thomond 27-10 and Bruff held off Dolphin 19-15.
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What happens next?
Round four has underlined how little separates many of the leading clubs. Old Belvedere now carry top billing in Division 1A, but Clontarf, Ballynahinch, UCD and the chasing pack remain firmly in contention. The next round will offer another test of depth, discipline and late-game composure as the Energia All-Ireland League continues to develop.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby