In a weekend of fierce rivalries, Manchester United v Liverpool and Arsenal v Leeds United, it was perhaps fitting that the two greatest rivals in the renowned Metro J1 Section B league, University College Dublin and Terenure College locked horns in Belfield Superbowl on Monday night.
In what has historically been a game in which to springboard one’s career, you needn’t look too far at some of the greats who have played in this fixture and gone on to greener Pastures, Rhys Ruddock (Ireland & Leinster), Jamie Hagan (Connacht) & Peter Riordan (Queens) to name but a few.
The game started at a slow but intensely physical pace, as both sides looked to gain dominance at the breakdown area. 20S most improved player of the year Keelan McKenna along with Baby Cub Cawley, Michael, led UCD in attack and defence throughout the game. Chuckie Finster lookalike, (seen below in his favourite blue space t-shirt and trademark Purple glasses) McKenna, carried the ball ferociously into the contact area, and linked well with the wide men for much of the game.
It wasn’t long before Collidge’s determination shone through. Some good defensive work from Kieran FDB (for da boys) Moloney and Richie Bent (not a nickname) at the breakdown led to collidge being awarded their first kick at goal. This attempt crept just wide from the half-way line, but was a sign of things to come from the place-kicker. Gillespie adjusting well to the unfamiliar out-half slot; nailed his second & third attempts to put collidge 6-0 ahead.
Another immense tackle in defence from Eoghan Conron led to a turnover which Cailbhe Doherty pounced on, to spring the attack. Early passes led to space being created for Terry Jones out wide, who managed to weave through the flailing defence, changing direction to great effect, to score under the posts. Gillespie added the ridiculously simple extras (Are you watching Dan Biggar?)
Half-time blew and brought a reversal of fortunes as Terenure, keen to turn things around, managed to put more phases together and tested the UCD defence sternly. It was this defence which, often lacking in years gone by, have kept UCD in the contest and merits their position in the league. Andrew Pollard, spoke to me after the match. “to be honest, it was as tough of a match as I’d seen in quite some time. It didn’t feel like I played at all, apart from the itchy Jersey. I tried not to get involved much at all, I actually didn’t touch the ball throughout the match. At the end of the day, first and foremost you want to make sure you get through the game injury free and worry about all that other stuff after… like tackling and rucking etc. I’ll have a look at it on the video on Tues with the coaching team, but I’m certain I didn’t even run a dummy line until half an hour in. I nearly felt guilty when Kilo got sin-binned and the lads were under the cosh a bit defensively but I’m mentally strong and you need to have that mental edge to make it at the top, not to mention I was pretty cold by that stage, so you have to way it up”.
Liam Hyland and Maurice Deasy, who I spotted eating a full cabbage and Bacon dinner about 15 minutes before kick-off acquitted themselves surprisingly well at the beginning. It all got a bit much for Deasy though, who was seen getting sick on the 22, and half way line, and had to be taken from the pitch citing a mysterious ankle injury in the process. What was equally unusual was that the ice pack never seemed to stay on the one side afterwards, as if Deasy had forgotten which one was sore! We wish him all the best in his recovery however ;) Terenure managed to get over for one try, but this seemed to spur collidge back into life, realising the game was up for grabs, they sprung back with a try.
James Hayes who is set to fly off to Australia to join the judging panel of Australian idol, had a part to play in the build-up as his excellent work from the top of the line-out with Shane O’Meara meant the centre partnership of Allwright and Conron were given go-forward ball for the night. This platform coupled with excellent work in attack from Bent and the newly introduced Tim Gleeson created quick ball out wide.
A beautiful early pass from Gillespie through hands of Jones and a wonderful knee-filled step of Stephen “Knees everywhere” O’Dwyer, set up Robbie Ensor who did brilliantly well to finish off beating three defenders from twenty metres out to secure the try. Ensor who shipped a heavy knock about ten minutes into the second half, looked absolutely gorgeous in his pretty little Navy shorts – we’re getting pretty serious now. So…
The final score of 21-7 left UCD 11 points clear at the top of the league, and ended what was a tumultuous week for team manager Shane Geraghty whose golfing trips with Brian Cowen only three weeks before he received a €10,000 bailout to pay for a Kinsale fund fuelled much speculation in the University Observer and Belfield Radio. Geraghty nor press officer Lar Mc Kenna were available for comment after the match.
Notices:
- This week’s winner of the Crossword Puzzle is David McSharry who wins a little book of one-liners, written by Robert Shanley.
- Congratulation to Andrew Cummisky who got engaged to his lovely girlfriend Roisin in Paris over the New Year. The little troopers haven’t set a date yet, but fantastic for all concerned, and great to see him make the effort to get back for game as well.
- The team would also like to offer sympathies to James McAlister who was recently involved in a very serious incident outside a pop concert recently where he had his considerably sized nose broken. Speaking after his concert, McAlister’s hero Justin Bieber said that he wished him all the best and a lovely get well soon card. Police have confirmed three 9year old boys are under questioning about the incident.
- We all miss Gavin Telford who is in Australia. Please stop complaining now.