UL BOHEMIAN re-ignited their play-off hopes and added to Belfast Harlequins relegation woes after grinding out a hard-earned win at a bitterly cold Annacotty yesterday.

The victory, secured largely through tries in each half from Aidan O'Gorman and Ian Hanley, ended Bohs three-game losing run in the league. Bottom side Harlequins fought valiantly for their first league win but had just a mere bonus point to show for their efforts. Outhalf Niall O'Connor kicked all nine points for 'Quins.

While they had their hosts under severe pressure for spells in the game, including the closing minutes, they lacked the guile necessary to breakdown a resolute home defence. Bohemians led 7-0 at the break, thanks to O'Gorman's try which was created by a smashing piece of link play which featured Ben Martin, Martin McPhail and James O'Neill.

O'Connor struck over penalties in the 47th and 54th minutes to see Bohs into a 10-6 lead. Winger Ian Hanley showed a neat turn of pace to score the home side's second try in the 58th minute while 'Quins sustained late pressure yielded a mere 78th minute goal from O'Connor.

UL BOHEMIAN M Butler; M McPhail, T Luke, C Finn, I Hanley; B Martin, P Rowley; K Flanagan, C Parkes, G Walsh, A Hartigan, K Benny, A O'Gorman, J E O'Connor, J O'Neill Subs T O'Donnell for O'Gorman, 62 mins; S O'Gorman for G Walsh, 66 mins; E Torrie for M Butler, 72 mins BELFAST HARLEQUINS M Kettyle; J Lowe, D Cave, P McKenzie, G McLoughlin; N O'Connor, P Marshall; N Conlon, S Plilpott, J Andress, G Rourke, L Stevenson, A Gillespie, S Minnis, C McCarey Subs K Pyper for G McLoughlin, 69 mins; M Graham for G Rourke, 73 mins Referee E O'Dowd (IRFU)