Cookies get back in the hunt

YOUNG MUNSTER are back in contention and fifth in the AIL Division 1A standings after their brilliant derby win over reigning champions Cork Con last weekend.

Con and Garryowen had pulled away from their Munster counterparts prior to Round 14, but this was a massive boost to Young Munster’s title credentials.

It was a low-scoring first half at Tom Clifford Park as Shane Airey and Tomás Quinlan traded penalties, and it was 3-3 at the interval.

But the hosts took control in the second half. Gavin Coombes and Alan Tynan scored to cancel out the effort from Gerry Hurley. Young Munster are now just five points behind Cork Con in the table, with Garryowen sandwiched in between.

Liam Cronin and Diarmuid Barron scored the tries at the Belfield Bowl as Garryowen secured an impressive 17-0 win at lowly UCD.

In Division 1B, Shannon remain second, and they are just one point behind leaders Ballynahinch. UCC are fourth and need to keep on winning to stay in contention for promotion. Their final-round trip to Shannon could be pivotal.

UL Bohemians are seventh while Dolphin are in real trouble at the bottom; they are ten points behind ninth-placed Old Wesley.

Highfield are second in Division 2A. There is a massive 12-point gap to leaders Malone but the Cork outfit have a game in hand, and host Malone in the penultimate round.

In 2B, Old Crescent are top of the pile and eight points clear of their nearest rivals, Rainey OB. Sunday’s Well are eighth but their status looks to be secure for another season.

Thomond are the leaders in 2C. Bruff are sixth with Midleton two places and five points in arrears.