UCD 20B 35 - 7 Naas
On a bitterly cold afternoon in Naas the under 20 B’s overcame the challenge of a spirited Naas side to record their sixth win of the league campaign. The home side settled first and the ball they won they were happy to keep Collidge pinned down in their half thanks to some probing kicks from their half backs. It was a while before Collidge got going and their first line break was harshly called back for crossing when Eoin Daly had the line in his sights. Naas deservedly got the first opportunity to score when UCD were judged to have gone offside at a ruck, but the kick went wide and the students escaped. It was the twenty second minute before Collidge got on the scoreboard, a good break off the base of the UCD scrum from number eight Jack Hogan , saw the ball flashed wide to wing John Conroy, John made some ground before setting it up for his forwards, first there was Luke ‘Douche’ Hickey to secure the ball. A few pick and go’s later and with the help of the TMO the referee awarded the students their first score of the afternoon, the score was awarded to Conor Farrell and was brilliantly converted by Ross O’Brien from the touchline.
Collidge were starting to find their feet now and some powerful runs from Robbie Field and hooker Neal Foley (assisted by Douche Hickey and Eoin Daly) saw the blues starting to build the pressure on a committed Naas team. Just before half time UCD got their second score when good work down the Naas left hand side ended up with Eoin Daly half breaking the Naas defence tackle and his offload was gathered by Conor Farrell who did well to touch down over the line, Farrell was now on a hat trick and had his sights firmly set on the match ball. Again the points were added by Ross O’Brien who is eagerly anticipating his annual visit to the Gaiety pantomime this Christmas! The half time score was UCD 14 Naas 0.
Collidge started the second half well, a fine break from scrum half and stand in captain Shane O’Meara was continued on by left winger Shane O’Connor who was brought down just short of the line, after the breakdown the ball was moved to the right where Conor Farrell followed up the good work to claim his HAT TRICK– beat that Terry!
Again the conversion was nailed by Ross O’Brien from a very difficult angle. At this stage Douche Hickey had been replaced by the outstanding Tim Gleeson , Douche went on to do a fine job touch judging after replacing Niall Eiders in that role. UCD were starting to gain supremacy out of touch where Eoin Daly and replacement Sean Tevlin were making inroads to the Naas lineout. The bonus point was secured when after more good work down the left hand side saw Shane O’Connor go in at the corner, yet again Ross O’Brien converted superbly from the touchline…no wonder adidas want to sign him up.
To their credit and despite the fact that they lost a number of players to injury Naas kept pressing and their effort (aided by some poor Collidge discipline) was rewarded when they went over for a converted try near the Collidge posts. This brought the score to 28 points to seven, Collidge added a fifth try when Shane O’Connor showed some great footwork to beat the Naas defence to score under the posts, this was duly converted by replacement out half Daniel Clifford. Just before the final whistle following up from a superb break by Jack Hogan which was carried on by Eoin Daly should have seen UCD claim another score but a bit of white line fever saw the forwards attempt to pick & go their way over when the ball should have been released to the back. However a ‘win bonus point’ was more than enough to satisfy the students.
A special thanks to the parents who travelled to watch yesterdays game especially Jack Hogan’s & Kieran Finlayson’s parents who travelled up from Limerick for the match, your support was very much appreciated.
Also thanks to team manager Mairead Buckley & physio Sarah Gleeson for their contribution.
Next up for the 20 B’s is Old Wesley on Sunday at 12:00 again all support is welcome.
With Christmas coming up Joe Mackenzie is busy trying to find that perfect present for Julie………..Joe would welcome any suggestions at this stage…….. Rumors’ that Joe was seen heading into Weirs on Saturday have been denied.
Speaking of romance, congratulation to David ‘Vince Lombardi’ Murphy on his recent engagement. Murph’srenowned attention to detail & meticulous planning will no doubt come in very handy when drawing up plans for the big day!