Queen’s are flying high after their perfect start

AFTER two games and two wins, Queen’s University look to be in a good place in 2A after their 3315 bonus-point victory over UL Bohemians at the Dub.

With nine points earned, Derek Suffern’s side are in second on points differential from leaders Old Crescent and played some uplifting stuff as they turned the game around after being 15-7 down.

After Michael Orr’s try, Queen’s then worked Ben Power across the line on two occasions as well as winger Conor McKee and hard-working flanker Andy McGrath, who actually secured the bonus-point touchdown.

Rainey Old Boys made sure of their first positive result by hammering Buccaneers 34-10 at Hatrick Park, racking up four tries in the process.

Seventeen points of the final total were scored by out-half Andy Magrath, via a try, three conversions and two penalties. Jason Bloomfield claimed two tries. Rainey’s other seven points came from a first-half penalty try.

Also in 2A, Ballymena drew 26-26 while hosting Nenagh with three points being collected.

2B brought little solace for Ulster’s two representatives in the division. Belfast Harlequins were turned over 45-14 at Sligo, while Dungannon lost 29-24 at Wanderers but got a losing bonus point.

A first win for Omagh has given the 2C side six points from two outings, following on from their draw at Clonmel.

Phil Marshall’s squad were 20-14 victors over Tullamore at Thomas Mellon Park. Scott Elliott crossed for two tries and also kicked a conversion and penalty.

The Tyrone side needed Elliott’s second try to put some daylight between the sides after their 15-0 lead was eaten into by Tullamore, who managed 14 unanswered points.

The Accies’ other try, between Elliott’s brace, was from Kyle Beattie.

Also in 2C, Bangor trekked all the way to Midleton where they lost 26-15.

An early Rhys Larmour penalty and conversion of Andrew Jackson’s try had Tom Rock’s side 10-0 ahead but they didn’t lead again as Nathan Graham’s score still had Bangor behind, this time 19-15. The real damage to Bangor’s cause was done by two yellow cards.

There was drama again for City of Derry as they narrowly lost again, this time by 38-36 at Skerries.

David Graham scored a hattrick of tries, David Lapsley got the try bonus and Callum O’Hagan surged over for a fifth which gave Derry a 36-35 lead.

It looked to be enough until the home team slotted an injury-time drop goal.

2A: Ballymena 26 Nenagh 26, Queen’s University 33 UL Bohemians 15, Rainey 34 Buccaneers 10. 2B: Sligo 45 Belfast Harlequins 14, Wanderers 29 Dungannon 24. 2C: Midleton 26 Bangor 15, Omagh 20 Tullamore 14, Skerries 38 City of Derry 36 Great stuff: Derek Suffern’s Queen’s have two victories