SHANNON and UL Bohemain both retained their current status in the All-Ireland League with home victories in the divisional play-offs at the weekend.
At Thomond Park, Shannon defeated Highfield 32-12 to remain in Division 1A.
Highfield had the best of the exchanges in the opening half leading 12-10 at the interval, thanks to four penalties by James Taylor. Michael Cooke replied with a try, a conversion, and a penalty for the Limerick side.
Stephen Keogh coached Shannon were in complete control after the break with Josh Costello scoring two tries and Luke Rigney one. Cooke kicked two conversions and a penalty.
At Annacotty, UL Bohemian preserved their Division 2A standing with a hard-fought 20-16 victory against Dungannon.
Harry Byrne opened the scoring with a penalty for UL Bohs , but the visitors hit back to lead 16-3. However, a late rally saw The Robins get a try from Alan Kiely and a second from a maul following a lineout with Byrne converting both. A second penalty by Byrne saw the Limerick side ensure their safety for another season.
At Holmpatrick, Bruff were denied promotion to Division 2B when beaten 30-15 by Skerries.
Seán Kilbridge opened the scoring for Bruff with a penalty, but a penalty, try, and conversion by Ronan Mulcahy saw Skerries take control. A Paul O’Loughlin try converted by Mulcahy extended the home side’s advantage. Tom O’Dwyer replied with a Bruff try and Kilbridge added the extras. Two penalties by Mulcahy gave Skerries 23-10 halftime lead. Shane Duggan closed the gap with a try for Bruff, but a Peter O’Neill try converted by Mulcahy ensured promotion for the Dublin side.
And, Richmond have reached the final of the Munster Junior Clubs Cup with a 45-31 win away to Kilfeacle. Nigel Clancy and James Reeves scored two tries each for Richmond, with Jeffrey McNamara and Brian Mullins getting one apiece. Tadhg Bennett kicked six conversions and a penalty. Kilfeacle replied with tries from Bobby Purcell, Rian Doody, Ben White, Tom Fogarty, and Shane Farrell. Luke Heuston kicked three conversions.
Richmond will now face Newcastle West in next week’s decider in Charleville.
Meanwhile, UL Bohemian’s hopes of doing a league and cup double in Munster came unstuck in Tralee when Kerry defeated them 26-24 in a closely contested Munster Women’s Division 1 Cup Final.
