’Wegians are promoted but Corinthians start to wobble

Galwegians have secured an immediate return to Division 1b of the All-Ireland League thanks to a narrow 12-10 win over second-placed NUIM Barnhall on Saturday, and they could well lock horns with city rivals Corinthians next season after the Cloonacauneen lost for the second consecutive game as their bid for promotion to Division 1a is starting to wobble.

Corinthians required a late converted try to snatch a bonus point in Athlone on Friday night, losing 25-18 to fellow Connacht side Buccaneers.

They went into the game in second place, eight points ahead of their Connacht rivals, but the defeat means that gap has been cut to five points with four games remaining.

If they remain in Division 1b next year, they will have Galwegians for company after the Glenina side eked out a narrow victory over NUIM Barnhall in Maynooth on Saturday to secure automatic promotion, and they need just one point from their remaining two games – away to Bective Rangers this Sunday and at home to Rainey Old Boys on Saturday April 12 – to secure the title.