v Dublin University
UNDER 20 B League Sunday January 20th Belfield
UCD 21 - 5 Dublin University
As a result of the recent inclement weather, yesterday saw the first official match on the new all weather pitch and it was fitting that it should be between UCD and our oldest and fiercest rivals Dublin University. Thankfully the 20 B’s ensured a successful opening of the new pitch with a twenty one points to five win.
Despite the morning starting out wet and windy, conditions at kick off time had improved dramatically and were near perfect as both teams attempted to run the ball at every opportunity thus leading to a very entertaining match. Collidge had not played since December 16th and our slow start may have been in part due to this but undoubtedly
Trinity were faster out of the blocks and created a number of opportunities but thanks to some excellent scrambling defence from number eight Jack ‘Hulk’ Hogan and left winger Colm McSharry Collidge’s line remained intact. UCD forward’s were starting to dominate in the scrums where the front row (who by the looks of things enjoyed the selection boxes Santa left for them!!!) of Hugo Boylan, Rob Hanlon and Eoin Quinn were in fine form, we were missing our usual props of Neill Halligan – absent due to the fact that the Belvedere Debs was on the Saturday night and he had to accompany Chris Spellman to it and Kieran Finlayson who recently had his wisdom teeth removed.
Collidge soon found some form and a fine half break from scrum half Stephen Hemmingway found winger Michael Anthony but the Aberdeen flyer was well tackled into touch by his opposite number. Trinity were still looking dangerous and after twenty minutes or so they launched an up and under which came down on the UCD twenty two meter line, UCD’s full back Eddie ‘quick feet’ Fox dealt superbly with it and after securing the catch he beat four Trinity defenders and quickly found center Peter Condon in support who kicked ahead, the Trinity defence did not deal with the bouncing ball and Condon’s center partner Jack Davison scooped up the ball and dived over for the opening score. This was superbly converted by out half Ross O’Brien to put UCD seven points up.
The UCD lineout was starting to find its rhythm and both James Hayes and Sean Daly took some important balls to ease the pressure, they were well supported in their efforts by the back row pair of Philip Lewis and Captain Maurice Deasy. Approaching half time Trinity took one of the opportunities that came their way and despite the appeals for a forward pass the Trinity left winger was able to touch down in the corner after some impressive work from his teammates.
The Collidge players should have remembered rule number 4 from the Dave ‘Bill Belichick’ Murphy principles of coaching ‘Always play the Whistle’ (this is available from all good bookstores or from Dave’s personal web site www.soyouwantocoach.ie
Trinity failed with the conversion and Collidge led at half time seven points to five. Collidge started the second half brighter and were starting to move the ball better than we were able to in the first half. This led to the creation of a number of half chances one of which was brilliantly taken by outside center Peter Condon who took the ball on a cut back angle and outpaced the Trinity defence to score under the posts. This was duly converted by out half O’Brien, who was enjoying one of his best all round games so far in a UCD jersey.
UCD’s pack were edging the forward battle and if it was not for some poor concentration at ruck time and some incorrect option selection we may have had a few more scores. Our final score came from second half replacement Daire O’Beirne who after breaking the Trinity defensive line and beating the cover defense and despite some unappreciated show boating managed to touch down under the Trinity posts. Ross converted again to finish off a sound if unspectacular performance.
At this stage we were able to give all the subs a run and it was great to see Rory Allwright back playing, he even managed to finish a game!!! In the sky sports studio after the game the consensus was that it was a good result for Collidge if not a great Collidge performance but anytime you beat Trinity it is a good day, just ask the J1’s and J4’s !!
Thanks to Rob Lee for his assistance yesterday, all the parents for their support yesterday and all the injured squad members who came down to watch. I would also like to thank all the lads who have made a special effort to make training over the last few weeks especially those who have had to travel to make it such as Philip Lewis, James Hayes and Ruiari Moore.
Our next game is on Thursday night against Old Wesley in Donnybrook, all support welcome.
Following on from the news that Dave Murphy has turned down the advances of the FAI (I don’t want to be the GAFFER) there is a strong rumor that he will be approached by Eddie O’Sullivan to become the new Ireland backs coach (well Dave does have a better relationship than Eddie with the TV3 girls!!) but there is another rumor that Dave will be taking over at Leinster in the summer…..will there be room for Gero at the RDS?