Play-off berths claimed as DLSP relegated

On a final day full of thrills and spills Clontarf and Garryowen claimed the final two All-Ireland League Division One play-off berths, joining Cork Constitution and Shannon in the league deciders.

At the foot of the table, DLSP will drop with Young Munster to Division Two next season after suffering a crushing home defeat at the hands of Galwegians.

In the match of the day, Garryowen ran in six tries against play-off hopefuls UCD in a wonderful exhibition at Dooradoyle. Garryowen, who needed to win to guarantee a play-off spot, emerged 42-24 winners to set up a semi-final clash with Cork Con.

Con beat Buccaneers to finish at the summit of the Division One table for the second year in a row.

Clontarf confirmed their play-off status thanks to an impressive away win at defending champions Dungannon, a shut-out helping the Dublin side to a 0-28 win. Clontarf will now face Shannon after the Limerick club secured a 20-28 victory at Terenure.

Both semi-finals are scheduled for April 13th with Cork Con and Shannon claiming home draws via their league positions.

DLSP came into their match with Galwegians staring relegation in the face, needing to win handsomely and hoping that the Co Carlow would lose at home to Ballymena. Only then could they overhaul Carlow and ensure their top-flight survival.

Ultimately, all that became academic as DLSP were well beaten by 14-45 and Carlow eked out a 17-16 win at Oakpark.

In Division Two, UL Bohemians won the race for the second promotion spot, beating Midleton 39-17.

Barnhall did all they possibly could with a 32-13 win over fellow promotion hopefuls Old Crescent. Unfortunately for the Leixlip side, it proved a hollow victory as UL Bohemians hung on to second place courtesy of their win.

Belfast Harlequins, already assured of their position as champions, celebrated their procession to the title with a resounding 29-59 win at Sunday’s Well, their 14th win from 15 league matches.

Division One

Blackrock College 23-24 St Mary's College
Buccaneers 10-16 Cork Con
Co Carlow 17-16 Ballymena
Dungannon 0-28 Clontarf
DLSP 14-45 Galwegians
Garryowen 42-24 UCD
Terenure Coll 20-28 Shannon
Young Munster 30-20 Lansdowne

Division Two

Barnhall 32-13 Old Crescent
City of Derry 24-45 Ballynahinch
Portadown 27-35 Dolphin
Sunday's Well 29-59 Belfast Harlequins
Thomond 18-18 Old Belvedere
UCC 3-35 Bective Rangers
UL Bohemians 39-17 Midleton
Wanderers 20-41 Malone

Division Three

Connemara 27-16 Banbridge
Corinthians 16-11 Ballina
Dublin University 21-9 Naas
Instonians 21-12 Bangor
Old Wesley 6-14 Monkstown
Richmond 32-19 Clonakilty
Skerries 16-21 Greystones
Waterpark 17-12 Suttonians