County Carlow and UCD scored historic wins in their opening games of the new AIB All-Ireland League Division One season today.
Carlow 16-11 Young Munster
County Carlow made a great start to their AIL Division One debut with a 16-11 win over Young Munster at the Oak Grounds at Carlow. Carlow's captain, Andy Melville, led by example and opened his team's account in the First Division with a try in the third minute. However, Munster retaliated with a Paul O'Connor try three minutes later and penalties from Carlow's Billy Murphy and Munster's Mike Lynch left the teams 8-8 at the interval. Half-way through the second half, Murphy scored a penalty to put Carlow ahead before Lynch levelled for Munster. However sustained pressure from Carlow forced Matt Stiller over for a try to seal victory for the newcomers.
UCD 31-29 Shannon
UCD also underlined their first appearance in the Division One League with a 31-29 win over Shannon at The Belfield Bowl. Shannon were on top in the early stages with a try from John O'Connor in the 32nd minute, a conversion and two penalties from Andrew Thompson as well as a drop goal from David Delaney to put Shannon 16-9 up at the break. UCD's nine points in the first half came courtesy of Hickey with three penalties in the 2nd, 15th and 21st minute. At the restart, Gearoid Hayes went over for a try for the students but Dave Quinlan also went over to put Shannon 29-17 ahead. UCD fought back, however, and two tries from Coughlan and Bredin and the winning conversion from Hickey ensured victory for the home-side.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
