UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN 35 BUCCANEERS 55
BUCCANEERS U-20s came out on top of a high scoring Purcell Cup round one tie against University College Dublin Seconds 55-35 on the side pitch at Belfield, Dublin, on Sunday. This was a fine achievement by the midlanders who were shorn of a handful of key players, including Ireland U-19s Leo Anic and Andrew Henson, for various reasons. They led from start to finish, scoring 9 tries in the process.
On a beautiful calm afternoon, Niall Tallon opened their scoring with a 5th minute try following a break down the left. Sean Glennon added their second from a maul and he notched his second after Abu Saka’s line break through the middle for a 19-0 lead. Buccs were outclassing the hosts at this stage.
UCD opened their account with a try against the run of play and then the teams traded tries, Gabriel Murphy displaying neat footwork to score a try for the Pirates who now led 26-14. A fracas ensued before halftime with both teams having a player sin-binned while Saka saw red.
The teams again traded tries following the change of ends, Tallon getting his second try in style. Tom Cotton was next to get on the Buccs scoresheet with a try and man-of-the-match Murphy secured his second try before Conor Dowling finished off some slick handling to touchdown in the corner to leave the Shannonsiders 48-21 to the good.
As the game opened up UCD got a pair of tries against the 14-man visitors but Buccaneers had the final say with Stephen O’Connor grabbing their ninth try in the final moments. Jack Quinn landed 5 conversions in a fully merited win.
BUCCANEERS:- C.Kelly; R.Costello, G.Murphy, N.Tallon, M.Turner; J.Quinn, C.Dowling; K.Blessing, S.Glennon, A.Oates; E.McLaughlin, A.Saka; K.Byrne, E.McMickan and S.Rohan (captain). Replacements:- S.O’Connor, A.Coonan, P.Egan, T.Trainor, D.Duffy, T.Cotton and D.Reid.
