Round two of the Energia All-Ireland League produced late drama, high-scoring contests and several early title signals. Across the divisions, St Mary’s College, Old Belvedere, UCD, Nenagh Ormond, Cashel and Galway Corinthians all strengthened their positions as the opening stages of the club rugby season began to take shape.
For followers of sports ireland, the weekend offered plenty to follow, with unbeaten teams emerging in both the northern and southern conferences and Enniskillen continuing a remarkable start to life at this level.
Old Belvedere and UCD set the pace in Division 1A
Old Belvedere followed their opening-round success with another commanding display, defeating Ballynahinch 56-10 at Ollie Campbell Park. Robbie Russell scored three tries, while Jayden Beckett and Sam Wisniewski both crossed twice as the Dublin side built an imposing 35-10 half-time lead.
UCD also moved to ten points after a 43-26 win over Lansdowne at the UCD Bowl. Maxim Aschenbrenner and Charlie Molony each scored two tries, but Paddy Clancy was the outstanding contributor with 23 points from the tee. His accuracy has been a major feature of UCD’s opening two matches.
Defending champions St Mary’s College made it two wins from two by edging past Clontarf 36-31. The champions appeared in control after leading 33-14 at the interval, but Clontarf’s second-half fightback turned the closing stages into a tense contest. Dylan Donnellan completed a hat-trick for the visitors, while Mick O’Gara’s kicking proved decisive for Mary’s.
There was also a landmark result at Energia Park, where Old Wesley defeated Cork Constitution 36-33. Tom Larke’s 79th-minute penalty secured Wesley’s first top-flight victory in more than 29 years. Young Munster also opened their account, scoring a late penalty try to defeat Terenure College 21-17.
Unbeaten starts continue in Division 1B and 2A
Nenagh Ormond and Blackrock College remain unbeaten in Division 1B after both collected their second victories. Nenagh overcame Naas 31-21, with Patrick Scully making an immediate impact after coming off the bench and scoring twice. Matthew Brice’s late try secured the bonus point.
Blackrock held off UCC 31-26 at the Mardyke in an entertaining contest. UCC finished strongly and earned two bonus points, but Blackrock’s early advantage and Tim Corkery’s kicking gave the visitors enough breathing room.
Dublin University recorded their first victory, beating Garryowen 46-22 at College Park, while Highfield also got off the mark with a 24-7 win over Instonians. MU Barnhall survived a thrilling finish against City of Armagh, winning 23-22.
Cashel and Galway Corinthians have taken maximum points from their opening two Division 2A fixtures. Cashel defeated Queen’s University 36-29 after another six-try performance, while Corinthians beat Greystones 26-19. Dungannon and Ballymena are close behind after recording successive victories, with Shannon claiming their first win through Peter Dougan’s stoppage-time try against Galwegians.
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Five teams share the early lead in Division 2B North
Division 2B North could hardly be tighter. Clogher Valley, Malone, Ballyclare, Skerries and newly promoted Enniskillen all have ten points after two rounds.
- Clogher Valley defeated Navan 38-17.
- Malone produced a strong away performance to beat Sligo 36-7.
- Ballyclare overcame Rainey 36-12.
- Skerries came from behind to defeat Banbridge 31-26.
- Enniskillen beat Malahide 31-19.
Enniskillen’s result was particularly notable. They had all 31 points on the scoreboard by half-time, with Eddie Keys converting four tries and adding a penalty. Malahide improved after the break, but the visitors had already built an unassailable platform.
Clonmel and Old Crescent lead Division 2B South
Clonmel continued their attacking form with a 43-21 win over Dolphin. Four first-half tries gave them a 26-7 lead, and further scores after the interval secured a second bonus-point victory.
Old Crescent had to work harder. Monkstown led 24-15 at half-time, but the Limerick side produced a superb second-half turnaround to win 44-31. Jed O’Dwyer completed a hat-trick, while Crescent’s late surge delivered a 29-point reversal after the interval.
Bective Rangers also made a powerful response to their opening defeat, running in nine tries in a 57-7 victory over Bruff. The result served as a reminder that the Division 2B South standings may change quickly as teams settle into the campaign.
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What to watch in the next round
The early table is already offering plenty of intrigue. Old Belvedere and UCD have established themselves as the teams to catch in Division 1A, but St Mary’s College remain firmly in the title conversation. In the lower divisions, the unbeaten groups mean one result could dramatically reshape the standings.
The next round will test whether the early leaders can maintain their bonus-point momentum or whether chasing teams can close the gap. With tight finishes and attacking rugby becoming a feature of the campaign, supporters can expect another important weekend in Irish club rugby.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
