Young Munster join three Dublin clubs in UBL semis

AFTER a dramatic final round of fixtures in the Ulster Bank League, the play-off semi-finals for Division 1A were decided yesterday while the champions of the other three divisions were also confirmed. Mike Ruddock’s (right) Lansdowne finished in top spot despite going down 15-5 away to Young Munster, a victory which secured fourth-place for the home side which means the teams will meet again in the first semifinal on the Aviva back pitch on April 25. Terenure lost 18-8 away to Old Belvedere but finished in second place to set up a semi-final showdown at home to Clontarf, 33-18 victors in Ballynahinch yesterday. At the other end of the table, St Mary’s thumped already relegated Dolphin 45-18 at Templeville Road but face a play-off with Division 1B runners-up Garryowen to determine who wil play in the top flight next season. Cork Constitution lost 3-10 at home to UCD with both sides keeping their spots in Division 1A. In Division 1B, there was further evidence of the resurgence in Connacht rugby as Galwegians were crowned champions following an excellent 17-10 victory over Garryowen. However, that western boost is tempered by fellow Galway club Corinthians dropping down a division for next season, along with Ulster side Malone. Old Wesley were crowned Division 2A champions yesterday despite losing in Banbridge as Blackrock could only manage a draw away to UCC, with the two Dublin clubs automatically promoted to 1B. In Division 2B, Highfield lost their Cork derby away to Sunday’s Well but had already been crowned champions. With the league restructuring to five divisions of 10 teams for next season, six clubs will drop down to Division 2B - NUIM Barnhall, City of Derry, Rainey Old Boys, Dungannon, Seapoint and Bective Rangers - where they will be joined by Highfield, Sunday’s Well, Armagh and Greystones.