The under 20 B’s season came to an abrupt conclusion yesterday when we were beaten by a very determined DLSP team in Belfield. Missing a number of regular players through injury and promotion to the A’s squad the 20 B’s turned in their worst performance of the year and were subsequently dumped out of the Brian Purcell Cup.

Playing down the hill in the first half Collidge struggled to find their rhythm and were soon under pressure from the start as DLSP sought the first score of the afternoon. It was clear that Collidge were vastly superior in the scrums and it was no surprise that DLSP lost two props in the first thirty minutes thus negating UCD’s advantage.

DLSP got an early penalty to lead three nil but Collidge replied with an outstanding individual try from full back James Finnegan, fielding a clearance kick from the DLSP out half on his own ten metre line Finnegan outpaced the DLSP defence to score in the bottom left corner. The conversion was missed but more importantly James had aggravated a long standing ankle injury and despite bravely continuing for another fifteen minutes or so he had to be replaced by Jamie Frankish just before half time. Soon after the try Collidge were awarded a penalty and this was converted by out half Daniel Clifford to take the score to eight points to three. Despite leading Collidge never looked comfortable and thanks to numerous errors and the ineffective policing of the breakdown by the referee we were unable to find any rhythm and because of this we were unable to build any substantial pressure on DLSP. 

Collidge gave away a try just before half time, a half break by the Collidge backs was followed up with a loose pass that the DLSP left winger gladly accepted to race away and touch down under the posts. This was converted and DLSP lead ten points to eight at half time.

Collidge attempted to lift the tempo in the second half but like the first half we made too many errors and DLSP were always able to clear the play downfield thanks to the strong boot of their out half.   The two place kickers exchanged penalties and one drop goal from the DLSP out half gave DLSP a lead of sixteen points to fourteen entering the final fifteen minutes. DLSP got their second try of the afternoon when the DLSP kick over the UCD defence and re-gathered to score next to the posts; the extra points were duly added. 

Collidge converted a late penalty chance to close the gap to six points but after receiving the kick off we never looked like getting the necessary try and in fairness I don’t think we would have deserved it.

The final whistle yesterday brought the curtain down on a successful yet hugely disappointing season for the 20 B’s, to win so many games was obviously pleasing but the manner in which we lost our last two games (not taking anything away from Bective & DLSP) is frustrating to say the least.  

As this is the last report of the season I would like to thank the following people who have contributed so generously to an enjoyable season:

Dr. Tom Field who willingly gave up his Sunday afternoons to come out in all weathers and provide support, encouragement and of course his medical expertise to the 20 B’s.

Mairead Buckley our manager who survived her first year of rugby management without getting hypothermia, her assistance was very much appreciated during the year.

Sarah Gleeson our physio who looked after the players so well and catered to all the hypochondriacs in the squad. Sarah is heading off to Canada in July and she will be missed.

Pete Herangi. Without doubt one of the main reasons for our relative success this year was Pete’s coaching. Without Pete we would not have won nearly as many games as we did this year and it is clear that Pete is highly valued by all the under 20 players in UCD. I firmly hope that UCD RFC do everything possible to ensure Pete is back next season.

Our captain Maurice Deasy deserves a special mention for his outstanding contribution during the year, it is no coincidence that he was absent when we lost yesterday and that he retired injured early in the second half against Bective in the league final.

All of the players have contributed enormously to an enjoyable year, I cannot recall a training session where we had less that 15/20 players and their attitude and enthusiasm throughout the year has been exemplary. They have been a pleasure to work with and I genuinely hope they all return next year to play either under 20’s or progress up the club.

Also I would like to thank John McClean for his all his support and advice during the year, John Hammond for all the work behind the scenes, Vinny Hammond, Rob Lee and all the UCD members, parents, friends & family that came out to support us during the year.   

Finally some end of year awards:

The Bonnie & Clyde award for a troublesome twosome:
Robbie Field & Fergal Lynch.

Best Turned out Player:
Philip McCarthy (coordinated training gear…I ask you!)

Hair of the year:
Mike O’Sullivan edges out Daniel Clifford and Iain Mays alice band.

Funniest Moment:
Doug Memery not knowing what size boots he wears after his boot split open – he had to ask his mum who was on the sideline.

Worst piece of gear:
Joe Mackenzie’s white shorts during the B/C’s practice game – tight to say the least.

Most frequently asked question:
Are we coming back in? – The entire squad.

The Michael O’Leary timekeeping award:
Mark Conway, 2 years at u20’s, On time for training/matches 0.

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