Round four of the Energia All-Ireland League delivered tight finishes, dramatic comebacks and several emphatic wins across the divisions. Old Belvedere’s victory over Clontarf was the headline result, while Ballynahinch, UCD and Old Wesley also strengthened their positions in an eventful weekend of Irish club rugby.
For followers of sports ireland, the latest ireland sports news underlined the depth and competitiveness of the domestic game. From a late comeback at Shaw’s Bridge to a nine-try performance in Athlone, clubs across the country produced plenty of talking points.
Old Belvedere move top after Clontarf win
Old Belvedere claimed a valuable 11-7 victory over Clontarf at Ollie Campbell Park, a result that sends them to the summit of Division 1A. The game was decided by replacement George Hadden, who crossed in the 61st minute after a closely fought opening hour.
Sam Wisniewski’s two early penalties gave Belvedere a platform, but Clontarf responded when Dylan Donnellan finished a move in the 26th minute. Conor Kelly’s conversion put the visitors 7-6 ahead at half-time.
Belvedere regained control through Hadden’s try and then produced a disciplined defensive display to protect their narrow lead. The result represents an important statement in the opening stages of the Energia All-Ireland League season.
Late Lansdowne surge falls short
Ballynahinch secured a 21-17 home win over Lansdowne at Ballymacarn Park, although the closing stages were far more tense than the scoreline suggested.
Lansdowne made a fast start through Juan Beukes, but Conor Rankin’s reliable kicking and Ryan Connolly’s try helped Ballynahinch establish a 16-5 half-time advantage. Captain Claytan Milligan added another try in the 65th minute.
Lansdowne refused to give in. Daniel Hurley crossed with five minutes remaining before Beukes completed his double in stoppage time. The comeback ultimately ran out of time, leaving Ballynahinch to claim a hard-earned win.
Old Wesley impress against Young Munster
Old Wesley produced one of the strongest attacking displays of the round, defeating Young Munster 26-7 at Energia Park. Matias Jensen and Paidi Farrell crossed in the first half, with Tom Larke converting both tries.
Young Munster reduced the deficit before the break through Liam McMahon, but Wesley controlled the second half. Rian Handley added a third try before Liam Grover secured the bonus point in the 75th minute.
Terenure College also claimed Dublin derby honours, edging St Mary’s College 17-12 at Templeville Road. Aran Egan’s second-half penalty proved decisive after a lively first period in which both sides traded tries.
UCD hold off Cork Constitution
UCD recorded an 18-13 win over Cork Constitution at the UCD Bowl. Charlie Molony scored inside four minutes, but Cork Con responded through Billy Scannell and led 8-7 at the interval after an Aidan Moynihan penalty.
Maxim Aschenbrenner restored UCD’s lead early in the second half, while Paddy Clancy added two penalties. Bobby O’Callaghan’s late try gave Cork Constitution hope, but the students held firm for another important Division 1A result.
Instonians complete remarkable comeback
Instonians produced one of the weekend’s most dramatic irish sports stories by recovering from a difficult start to defeat Naas 32-27 at Shaw’s Bridge.
Naas raced into a 20-0 lead through tries from Tadhg Brophy, Paddy Taylor and Ryan Casey. Instonians fought back before half-time, with Liam Kaprigiannis and Oli Clark reducing the gap to five points.
Naas extended their advantage after the restart, but Clark scored again before Jack Parkinson crossed in the 69th minute. Bevan Prinsloo then completed the turnaround with a try three minutes into stoppage time.
Elsewhere in Division 1B, Blackrock College defeated City of Armagh 19-17, Dublin University overcame Nenagh Ormond 29-7, Highfield edged MU Barnhall 17-15 and Garryowen came from behind to beat UCC 25-23 after a late penalty try.
Clean sheets and big wins in Divisions 2A and 2B
Corinthians kept UL Bohemian scoreless in a 19-0 Division 2A victory, while Ballymena overturned a 12-3 half-time deficit to defeat Galwegians 17-12. Dungannon, Greystones and Wanderers also recorded wins, with Wanderers earning a bonus point against Cashel.
Banbridge claimed a dramatic 18-17 victory over Enniskillen in Division 2B North, Zac Solomon’s 74th-minute try proving decisive. Malahide, Navan, Malone and Clogher Valley also came through competitive fixtures.
The biggest score of the round arrived in Division 2B South, where Bective Rangers defeated Buccaneers 59-7 after running in nine tries. Midleton were also in impressive form, beating Monkstown 46-7 with captain JB Du Toit scoring a hat-trick.
Old Crescent defeated Enniscorthy 26-0, Clonmel beat Thomond 27-10 and Bruff held off Dolphin 19-15 in another tight contest.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
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What comes next?
With the table already beginning to take shape, the next round will offer another test of consistency for the leading clubs. Old Belvedere will look to build on their win over Clontarf, while the chasing teams will aim to close the gap as the Energia All-Ireland League campaign gathers pace.
The key takeaway from round four is clear: there is little separating many of the leading sides, and late-game composure could prove crucial as the season develops.