UL Bohemians could yet make the Division One play-offs after picking up their sixth win in seven games – a well-merited 32-20 defeat of Lansdowne at Thomond Park.
Bohs, who now lie in fifth place, are six points behind champions Shannon after today’s success.
Fly half Fergal Lawlor got them off to a blistering start with a third-minute try before Lansdowne winger Neil Walsh intercepted to run 70 metres and notch a brilliant reply. Corey Burt converted for a 7-5 lead.
But Bohs regrouped to establish a 15-13 buffer at half-time. With Lansdowne flanker Jim O’Donovan in the sin-bin, hooker Gordon Ryan was driven over for a converted try, and Lawlor then left-footed an excellent drop goal through the posts. Nonetheless, Lansdowne showed little signs of dying off easily as full-back Burt ended the half with two pin-point penalties.
Bohs also lost lock Kenny Barry to a yellow card as they first half ended by two tries from captain and centre Coleman Finn and flanker James O’Neill helped the hosts kill off the game in the third quarter.
Lansdowne winger Fiachra Baynes raised his side’s hopes of a losing bonus when he darted over for a converted try, putting them within nine points. Martin’s late penalty steadied UL’s ship.
The Limerick side, now unquestionably a top-flight team, face Dungannon, Ballymena and Buccaneers in their final three games.
