Stephen O'Neill's first-half try was the difference between the teams at Lakelands Park as Terenure College continued their dream start to life in Division 1A with a 14-9 win over defending champions Clontarf.
Terenure's fifth victory of the current campaign extended their winning streak in the Ulster Bank League to an incredible 28 games, and in the process dented Clontarf's title defence with a second defeat.
Kick through
The hosts went ahead thanks to two James Thornton penalties. O’Neill’s 37th-minute try from a kick through made it 11-0 at half-time.
Improving ’Tarf finally opened their account with a 54th minute penalty from replacement Alan Hughes, before a strong break by Connacht loanee John Cooney paved the way for Thornton’s third penalty 13 minutes from time.
Hughes responded with his second and third penalties to make life difficult for James Blaney’s men once again but despite their best endeavours, ’Tarf had to be content with a losing bonus point.
Ballynahinch are now fourth in the table after a brilliant final-quarter effort against St Mary’s College saw them run out 33-13 bonus point winners at rain-soaked Ballymacarn Park.
Trailing 13-6 approaching the hour mark, Derek Suffern's side produced a terrific turnaround with 18-point centre Richard Reaney, Ross Adair and Robin Harte all touching down, and the bonus point secured by a 78th minute penalty try
Ben Martin’s 68th-minute penalty made it back-to-back wins for Young Munster as they edged out Cork Constitution 9-6 at Temple Hill.
Dolphin avoided defeat for the first time in this season’s league with a deserved 22-22 draw with Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road. The levelling score was a last-minute penalty from ex-Old Christians scrumhalf Stuart Lee.
Ireland under-20 outhalf Ross Byrne contributed a try and three penalties as UCD won 19-10 on the Aviva Stadium's back pitch to condemn Lansdowne to their second successive defeat.
Meanwhile, Ballymena are the new leaders in Division 1B after beating former front runners Galwegians 23-22 at Crowley Park.
Resurgence
Dublin University’s resurgence continued as they came away from Dooradoyle with a 14-8 triumph over Garryowen.
Malone gained their second victory with a 23-10 dismissal of UL Bohemians at Gibson Park. Belfast Harlequins held off a late Shannon surge to win 26-21 at Thomond Park.
In Friday’s Connacht derby at Dubarry Park, two second half tries from Eoghan Masterson and Pat O’Toole saw Corinthians stun Buccaneers 14-10.
