v Coolmine
(12 Oct 2008)
UCD U20B 31
Coolmine RFC 6
Belfield Sunday October 12th 2008
On a glorious sunny Sunday afternoon the under 20 Pennant side got their 2008 / 2009 league campaign off to a very successful start with a win over Coolmine RFC and in the process securing a deserved bonus point.
Tries from wingers John Conroy and James Finnegan (not sure where James gets his pace from as his uncle Karl never had any pace at all !), one from full back Eddie Fox and two from Keelan McKenna contributed to a fine overall performance from Collidge. It was a great weekend for the under 20’s as all 3 teams won their league matches. Leading up to this weekend training for the whole squad has gone well and the numbers at training have been very encouraging indeed, a special mention must go the recruitment drive headed by Vinnie Hammond and assisted by freshmen secretary Eddie Fox (if only they worked for the PD’s !!!).
The match started in glorious sunshine and Collidge were soon seven points up after Keelan McKenna touched down after some good work from Darrell Quinn. This was duly converted Ross O’Brien (who along with Conal Cremin was wearing factor 50 sunblock). Coolmine came right back into the game and it was only thanks to some strong defence from centre David Fahy & wing John Conroy that prevented them from crossing the line.
Collidge’s next score came from full back Fox who used all of his 5ft frame to stretch out and touch down after another spell of Collidge pressure. Coolmine kicked two penalties to take the half time score to 12 pts to 6.
The second half started slowly as Collidge continued to give away field position and possession thanks to a number of soft penalties. We eventually woke up and tries from John Conroy (who also had one disallowed as he was harshly judged to have put a foot in touch – well that’s how it looked from the other side of the pitch) and Finnegan (converted by Daniel Clifford) put the result beyond doubt for Collidge. Keelan McKenna crossed over late on after some excellent work from replacement Joe Mackenzie and this was again converted by Clifford. The soreline does not reflect how hard UCD had to work for this victory and is probably a little unfair to Coolmine.
The 20 Pennant side would like to welcome Mairead Buckley (manager) and UCD Hockey legend Sarah Gleeson (physio) to this years management team, we are also delighted to welcome back Pete Herangi to the coaching staff and Dr. Tom Field (with his shiny new boots – Tom you better check if they fit Robbie !!).
A special mention and thanks must go to Rosemary Deevy & John McClean who went to great lengths to ensure that all the players were registered in time for the weekend. This can be a very difficult process and the background work they do to ensure everyone is correctly registered should not be taken for granted.
Next up for the 20 B’s is Newbridge away (Sunday Oct 19th at 1300), again all support would be very much appreciated as this is likely to be a very tough assignment.