AIB League – Ballymena Remain Top.

Ballymena retained their place at the top of the AIB League – one point clear of Shannon, thanks to a 18-15 win over Garryowen at Eaton Park.

Ballymena retained their place at the top of the AIB League thanks to a 18-15 win over Garryowen at Eaton Park. They led 13-12 at the break and then went briefly behind when Mark Connolly landed a penalty for the visitors but then Huw Jones produced a fine solo effort to score the try that secured his side the points.

In Temple Hill the home side looked in serious trouble when they trailed 24-9 at half-time. However Con scored two second half tries – from Dave O’Brien and Cronin Healy – and with Pat McCarthy in immaculate form with the boot they ended up sharing the spoild 27 points apiece.

Clontarf led Dolphin 20-8 by half time thanks to tries from Donovan Rossi and Ben Wakeley both converted by David McAllister who also added two penalties. Andrew Finn (try) and John O’Mahoney replying for the Cork side. A further try from Dara O’Shea, again converted by McAllister saw ‘Tarf race further ahead. Finn scored his second try and O’Mahoney added two more penalties but the home side ran out comfortable 30-19 winners.

Elswhere Lansdowne kick-started their season with a 18-15 win over Dungannon at Lansdowne Road.

Shannon were 15-6 winners over Belfast Harlequins in Thomond Park and St Mary’s College lost 23-18 to Blackrock College in Templeville Road.

AIB League Division One
Ballymena 18-15 Garryowen
Cork Constitution 27-27 U.C.D.
Clontarf 30-19 Dolphin
Lansdowne 18-15 Dungannon
Shannon 15-6 Belfast Harlequins
St. Mary’s College 18-23 Blackrock College.

AIB League Division Three
Barnhall 16-18 Young Munster
D.L.S.P. 18-8 U.L.Bohemians
Dublin University 22-4 Old Crescent
Sunday’s Well 13-33 Old Belvedere
Terenure College 18-17 Midleton
Thomond 21-23 Ballynahinch
U.C.C. 14-8 Malone
Waterpark 15-10 Bective Rangers.

AIB League Division Three
Ballina 11-20 Highfield
Banbridge 21-20 Ards
City of Derry 35-8 Old Wesley
Corinthians 17-20 Skerries
Naas 24-8 Suttonians
Instonians 34-16 Queens University
Portadown 6-20 Wanderers
Connemara 15-18 Greystones