Unbeaten records fell, late penalties decided tight contests and several clubs strengthened their early promotion claims as sports Ireland turned its attention to a dramatic third round of the Energia All-Ireland League.
Clontarf produced the biggest statement in Division 1A, while Lansdowne overturned a sizeable half-time deficit to defeat Old Belvedere. In Division 2A, Cashel remained perfect, and the northern sections saw Ballyclare, Enniskillen and Malone continue their impressive starts.
Clontarf seize Division 1A momentum
Clontarf moved to the top of Division 1A after overwhelming UCD 61-15 at Castle Avenue. The hosts scored nine tries and built an unassailable 26-3 lead by half-time, with Peter Maher, Brian Deeny and Matthew Brennan crossing early.
Dylan O’Grady, Sam Owens, Dylan Donnellan, Daniel Hawkshaw and Sean Finlay added second-half tries. Conor Kelly converted seven scores as Clontarf secured their second bonus point of the campaign. UCD’s reply came through Tom O’Riordan and Joe Christie, but the visitors could not match the home side’s pace or power.
Lansdowne delivered the round’s most eye-catching comeback at the Aviva Stadium, recovering from 19-7 down to beat Old Belvedere 35-26. Belvedere appeared in control after three first-half tries, but Lansdowne transformed the match after the interval.
Paul Wilson began the recovery before Dylan O’Keeffe crossed twice in seven minutes. Juan Beukes added a late fifth try, with Michael Moloney converting all five Lansdowne scores. Belvedere’s late bonus-point effort could not prevent their first defeat of the season.
Late drama at Temple Hill
Cork Constitution claimed their first win by edging defending champions St Mary’s College 25-24. Mary’s led 21-17 at the break, but George Good’s 70th-minute try brought Cork Con back into the contest.
Mick O’Gara’s penalty briefly restored the champions’ advantage. Then, deep into stoppage time, Dylan Hicks landed the decisive penalty to complete a memorable home victory.
Division 1B produces major statements
Naas and Highfield moved onto 10 points after emphatic wins, while Nenagh Ormond’s perfect start ended against Instonians.
Naas dismantled previously unbeaten Blackrock College 54-14, scoring eight tries. Paddy Taylor crossed twice, while Daniel Ticklepenny converted seven. Highfield were similarly impressive, defeating Dublin University 57-29 in a 13-try contest. Jamie Shanahan’s first-half hat-trick set the tone.
Instonians earned their first victory with a narrow 23-21 success away to Nenagh Ormond. The visitors led 18-7 at half-time and survived a late fightback, despite Roman Salanoa’s 73rd-minute try for the hosts.
City of Armagh beat UCC 24-12, and MU Barnhall held off Garryowen 28-24 as both clubs continued their progress up the table. Young Munster also recorded back-to-back wins, beating Ballynahinch 32-14.
Cashel maintain perfect Division 2A record
Cashel remain the only Division 2A side with 15 points after defeating Galwegians 33-12. Three bonus-point wins from three underline the strength of their opening campaign.
Timothy Townsend scored twice, while Philly Ryan, Matias Masetti and Ben Twomey also crossed. Ballymena sit just one point behind after a 26-19 victory over Queen’s University, while Dungannon made it three wins from three by beating Corinthians 27-7 in Galway.
Wanderers claimed their first victory, defeating Shannon 32-24, and UL Bohemian edged Greystones 38-34 in a high-scoring encounter.
North stays fiercely competitive
Ballyclare remain at the top of Division 2B North after a remarkable 62-41 win over Malahide. Sixteen tries were scored, with Ballyclare building a 40-15 half-time lead before Malahide mounted a spirited response.
Enniskillen’s outstanding start continued with a 50-19 victory over Navan. The newly promoted club led 38-7 at the break and finished with eight tries. Malone also preserved a perfect record, overcoming Skerries 32-26 after trailing at half-time.
Clogher Valley stayed unbeaten, but only after a tense 25-24 win over Banbridge. David Maxwell’s 79th-minute penalty proved decisive. Sligo recorded their first win, beating Rainey 29-10.
Clonmel and Old Crescent set the pace in the south
Clonmel continued their excellent Division 2B South campaign with a convincing 40-7 away victory over Enniscorthy. The result made it three maximum-point wins from three for the Tipperary club.
Old Crescent also maintained their perfect start, ensuring the southern table remains tightly shaped by bonus-point rugby and strong attacking performances.
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What to watch in Round Four
The next round will show whether Clontarf can hold their position at the top of Division 1A, whether Lansdowne’s comeback can launch a sustained challenge and if Cashel can extend their perfect run. Enniskillen’s rapid adaptation to Energia AIL rugby will also remain one of the developing stories of the season.
For clubs across the divisions, the early table positions are beginning to matter, but the opening rounds have already shown how quickly momentum can change. The next set of fixtures should bring another important chapter in this year’s Irish club rugby campaign.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
