Sexton try gets Mary's across line
MARK SEXTON at least made it a good start to the weekend for his family by scoring a vital try in a 13-12 Division 1A success for St Mary's College over Garryowen at Templeville Road on Saturday.
The leaders only just got over the line against a determined Garryowen outfit who recovered from 13-3 down at the interval to very nearly snatch victory with an injury-time Declan Cusack penalty that dropped short.
Second-placed Clontarf cut the deficit to two points by securing a bonus point in their 32-23 victory over Dolphin at Castle Avenue. Hooker Turlough Considine (2), wing Mick McGrath and flanker Simon Crawford got the tries with the rest of the points coming from the boot of Richie Lane.
Young Munster remain third after beating Cork Constitution 9-7 at Clifford Park thanks to three Willie Staunton penalties.
The relegation battle at Stradbrook, meanwhile, ended with Blackrock College inflicting another defeat on the bottom side Old Belvedere.
Blackrock won 18-11, thanks mainly to an outstanding contribution from Darragh Fitzpatrick. The out-half scored a try, converted it, landed two penalties and also added the extra points to a try from Mike McKeever.
The situation remains tight at the top of Division 1B, with just two points covering the top four teams. With Ballynahinch held to a 22-22 draw against Dungannon on Friday night, Belfast Harlequins took the opportunity to go to the top of the table by beating Galwegians 19-13.
Trinity now have a six-point cushion on top of Division 2A after their 18-11 win over Malone and DLSP's 22-17 defeat at City of Derry. Cashel's 18-6 win in Sligo keeps their 100pc record going and they lead Division 2B from Banbridge, who hammered Suttonians.
- AIL Round-up
Irish Independent
