UL Bohemians - 33 Barnhall - 17: Newly-promoted UL-Bohemians powered their way into the inaugural All Ireland League Division Two final with an impressive victory over Barnhall at a sun-drenched Thomond Park.
The Limerick team edged Barnhall out on points difference for the second promotion place from the division at the end of last month.
However, there was no doubting the superior side in this entertaining semi-final clash, with UL-Bohemians out-scoring their opponents by five tries to three.
Indeed, both sides deserve great credit for serving up such an entertaining clash. The Limerick side will now meet Belfast Harlequins in the Division Two final at Lansdowne Road on May 4th.
UL-Bohemians, inspired by their excellent back row of Aidan O'Gorman, James O'Neill and Anthony Horgan, ran in two excellent first-half tries to lead by 14 points to five at the interval.
Their opening try came on 10 minutes when winger Keith Matthews crossed for a superb score following an excellent blindside break by captain Liam O'Connell.
Outhalf Ian Costello added the conversion points and the Limerick side had doubled their advantage to 14-0 by the quarter hour mark.
Back row forward James O'Neill broke through a series of Barnhall tackles to scamper over and Costello again was on the mark with the conversion points.
However, Barnhall came right back into contention after 17 minutes. Winger Andy Munn was held up just short of the line. The ball was flashed out along the Barnhall backline before Conor Bass touched down for a vital score.
UL-Bohemians really stamped their authority on the game within two minutes of the re-start when Martin McPhail crossed for his side's third try. Despite trailing by 5-19, Barnhall refused to lie down - the Kildare side enjoyed plenty of possession in the third quarter but were unable to translate it into scores.
UL-Bohemians finally made the game safe on 70 minutes after Anthony Horgan intercepted near the halfway line. The ball was spun out to outhalf Costello who sent McPhail over for his second try of the game. Moments later James O'Neill found Matthews for his second try of the afternoon and the home side were out of sight.
Barnhall did manage to finish with a flourish, however, running in two late tries. Colm Morgan and Angus Watters breached the the UL-Bohemians line in the dying moments to put a more respectable look on the scoreboard.
Ul Bohemians: R Desmond; K Matthews, C Finn, M McPhail, A Coetzee; I Costello, L O'Connell (capt); C Neilan, G Ryan, M Harty, C Fitzgerald, B Dineen, J O'Neill, A O'Gorman, A Hartigan. Replacements: J Danagher for Neilan (42 mins), K Flanagan for Harty (53), S Brown for Fitzgerald (60), K Gilligan got Coetzee (75).
BARNHALL: B Burke; A Munn, M O'Reilly, M Lax, C Morgan; C Burke, P Caldwell; P Sewell, C Allen, W Bowden, J Lark, D Keating, C O Mongain, C Bass, D Gilmore. Replacements: H Hodgson for Allen (60 mins), S O'Neill for Sewell (60), A Watters for Munn (70).
Referee: G Doyle (Ulster).
