Malahide flex their muscles

Malahide returned to impressive winning ways in Division 1A of the Leinster League on Saturday when they beat Monkstown 52-12 away, stretching their lead over second placed Enniscorthy to four points.

After suffering their only defeat of the campaign in their final game before the Christmas break against De La Salle Palmerston, the north County Dubliners hit their straps early in Dublin 4 with four first-half tries through Enda McCarthy, Ciaran Clifford, Leo Weiss and Hugo Nolan to lead 32-0 at the interval.

Further tries were added by winger Gary Robb, Dave Mongan and David Feenan with the defeat condemning Monkstown to the bottom of the table.

Enniscorthy were made to battle all the way in overcoming Kilkenny 19-15 at home; a penalty try awarded for a collapsed scrum late in the first half was the only try of the game.

Ivan Poole's two late penalties edged the hosts over the line, with Kilkenny's hard-earned bonus point lifting them off the bottom of the table.

Ashbourne took advantage of De La Salle Palmerston's inconsistency when they travelled to Kilternan and returned with bonus point 29-3 win. Jake Wall and No 8 Simon Deevy scored tries that helped the visitors into a 15-3 half-time lead before Gavin Kennedy and then Deevy again added the touchdowns after the break to ease the Meath club's relegation worries.

Gorey continued their good run by beating Dundalk 24-17 away with a pair of first half tries scored by Stephen Dukes helping the Wexford outfit to lead 17-10 at the break before Stephen Horan's final quarter try ensured victory.

Tomorrow Malahide welcome Dundalk, Enniscorthy are away to De La Salle Palmerston, Gorey host Kilkenny while Ashbourne host Monkstown.

Mikey Doyle's late try for Wicklow ensured the Division 1B runaway leaders eked out a hard-earned 19-12 win in Portlaoise; on Sunday they host bottom club Mullingar.

Cill Dara opened up a three-point lead at the top of Division 2A when they crushed visitors Portarlington 44-17 while second placed Longford were held to a 20-20 draw at home against Edenderry.

The Kildare club travels to neighbours Newbridge tomorrow night, while Longford visit basement club Roscrea on Sunday.

New Ross beat Balbriggan 34-12 at home to stay top of Division 2B, and on Sunday the pacesetters are away to Birr.

In Division 3 joint leaders North Meath and Midland Warriors are at home to Ratoath and Clane respectively.