Three Ulster clubs booked their place in the second round of the Energia All-Ireland Men’s Junior Cup, while Dromore, last season’s beaten finalists, made an emphatic start to their campaign.

Dromore recorded a convincing 54-7 victory over Connacht side Creggs at Barban Hill, while Omagh Academicals also progressed defeating Dunmore 43-14 away. Portadown completed the trio of Ulster winners with a 29-6 home victory over Bandon, crossing for five tries without reply.

Lurgan narrowly missed out, with Tullamore scoring late to secure a 19-16 win.

Eight Towns Cup ties played as weather disrupts first round

Eight first-round fixtures in the Bank of Ireland Towns Cup went ahead despite the challenging weather conditions, with four matches postponed and rescheduled for 21 November.

Among the standout results, Ballynahinch 2nd XV recorded a 64-0 victory over Ballyclare 2nd XV, while Instonians 2nd XV also secured a convincing win, defeating Belfast Harlequins 50-0.

Strabane claimed a 36-12 away win over Malone 2nd XV, while Bangor, Ballymoney, Limavady, Queen’s University 2nd XV and CIYMS also progressed.

The second round is scheduled for 9 January, when the 12 winners will be joined by Lurgan, Omagh Academicals, Portadown and Dromore to complete the last 16.

Championship 3: Virginia and Grosvenor maintain unbeaten records

Virginia and Grosvenor continued their unbeaten starts to the Championship 3 season with impressive victories.

Virginia ran in nine tries in a 57-0 away win over Ulster University, while Grosvenor recorded an even more emphatic 60-0 home victory against Cavan.

BHSFP moved into third place after defeating Monaghan 30-15 at the War Memorial Grounds, securing a try bonus in the process.

Elsewhere, PSNI claimed a 31-7 home win over Civil Service, while Donaghadee recorded their third league victory of the season with a 43-7 success against Newry.

Energia All-Ireland League

There were several close encounters involving Ulster clubs across the Energia All-Ireland League divisions.

In Division 1A, Ballynahinch secured a valuable 21-17 home victory over Lansdowne. Instonians also came through a tight contest in Division 1B, defeating Naas 32-27, while City of Armagh narrowly lost out 19-17 away to Blackrock College.

In Division 2A, Ballymena earned a 17-12 away win against Galwegians, while Dungannon defeated Shannon 14-9. Queen’s University were beaten 17-7 at home by Greystones.

Division 2B North produced three close contests. Banbridge edged Enniskillen 18-17, Malone claimed a 15-10 away victory over Rainey, and Ballyclare were beaten 13-8 by Navan. Clogher Valley recorded an important 24-19 away win against Skerries.

Other Club Results

There was plenty of action across the provincial and regional leagues, with several Ulster sides recording important victories.

In Provincial Premier 1, Ballynahinch 3rd XV defeated Portadown 2nd XV 24-17. Dungannon 3rd XV also won away from home, beating Lisburn 2nd XV 24-17 in Provincial South Phase 1.

Clogher Valley 3rd XV defeated Queen’s University 3rd XV 29-21, while Randalstown 3rd XV earned a 10-5 win over Ballyclare 4th XV in Regional North East Phase 1.

In the Mixed Ability competition, Rainey RFC Warriors edged a thrilling encounter against Malone RFC Tornadoes, winning 38-37.

Queen’s University Women 2nd XV also recorded an impressive result in Women’s Championship B, defeating Lurgan Women 54-7.