U20B 26 - 10 Seapoint
Belfield January 11th 2009.
On a bitterly cold afternoon in Belfield the 20 B’s secured what could be a very important win in their quest for a home semi final in the JP Fanagan Pennant League by beating Seapoint twenty six points to ten and securing a win bonus point in the process.
Playing with the gale in the first half Collidge raced to a fourteen point lead thanks to tries by the prolific Conor Farrell and Robbie Field. Collidge dominated possession and territory early on thanks to a marvelous performance from their forwards and some very clever and accurate kicking from halfbacks Sam Ethell (making his debut for the B’s – is it just me or does Sam look like Tomas O Leary?) and outhalf Daniel Clifford. Both tries came as a result of long phases of play where Collidge managed to hold onto the ball and make gradual progress towards the Seapoint line.
Collidge started to give away a number of penalties and this let Seapoint into the game, they were soon putting pressure on the UCD line and one infringement too many saw captain Maurice Deasy in the sin bin. Seapoint elected to take the scrum but were pushed off their ball by a magnificent forward effort and UCD were soon able to list the siege. UCD were unable to increase their lead any further and the half time score was fourteen nil to UCD as both tries had been ably converted by Daniel Clifford.
Playing into the gale in the second half Collidge needed to be patient when they were in possession and disciplined in defence, thankfully they excelled in both, and the players deserve enormous credit for their second half performance. Despite giving a soft try away early in the half Collidge replied when yet again the forwards made inroads into the Seapoint twenty two and the play was switched to left wing James Finnegan who finished very well in the corner.
This score was followed up by another Conor Farrell try which saw the lead stretched to twenty six points to five. Seapoint scored a late try (helped by some poor UCD defence) to make the final score twenty six ten. This late try failed to take the gloss off a fine performance and it would be unjust to single any player out as everyone contributed to the victory.
Sunday also saw the return of Tom Fletcher and Paul Reddy to competitive action for the B’s and Iain Mays and James McAllister returned after lengthy absences with the C’s.
Although Sunday was a good victory the squad are aware that we have not qualified for anything yet and we need to remain focused especially with our old friends Trinity next up in Belfield on Sunday week.
A special thanks to all the parents and injured squad members who turned out to watch in horrible conditions.
Also the squad would like to wish Jack Hogan all the best on his visit to New Zealand and look forward to seeing him back in UCD colours nest season.
UCD under 20 B squad v Seapoint, January 11th 2009.
Fergal Lynch, Mike O’Sullivan, Kieran Finlayson, Neil Foley, Philip McCarthy, Sean Tevlin, Robbie Field, Douche Hickey, Conor Farrell, Maurice Deasy, Darrell Quinn, Tim Gleeson.
Sam Ethell, Ross O’Brien, Daniel Clifford, Tom Fletcher, David Fahy, Shane O’Connor, James Finnegan, Joe Mackenzie, Paul Reddy, Neal Murphy.
Physio: Sarah Gleeson, Manager: Mairead Buckley, Doctor: Dr Tom Field. Coach: Pete Herangi.
P.S. For those of you interested Joe Mackenzie and Julie celebrated their first Christmas together with a romantic meal for two in Dundrum recently. Joe had a Big Mac meal while Julie had the Happy Meal and strawberry milkshake, apparently Joe would not shout for an Ice Cream Sunday……….he is keeping that treat for Valentine’s Day!!