Terenure 18

Dublin University 25

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY ENJOYED a winning Ulster Bank League Division 1A debut as they handed 14-man Terenure College Park a 25-18 defeat at Lakelands Park tonight.

Trinity had a successful return to 1A rugby. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Terenure were really up against it after scrum half Kevin O’Neill’s 11th-minute sending-off for use of the boot, but a penalty try and a Jake Swaine effort had the hosts 12 points to the good.

A cracking offload from centre Conor Kelly released winger Swaine to go over in the 22nd minute, with full-back James O’Donoghue adding a penalty for 15-3 nearing half-time.

However, Trinity hit their attacking stride before the break. Full-back James O’Donovan impressed on a sidestepping run and then hooker Paddy Finlay rumbled over from close range.

Despite losing prop Andy Keating to the sin-bin, the students opened the second period with another try, quick turnover ball releasing centre Michael Courtney for a powerful run to the corner.

Michael Courtney breaks for Dublin University. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Tony Smeeth’s youngsters pushed into a 22-15 lead thanks to winger Evan Dixon’s 55th-minute touchdown, which saw him link neatly with his brother, centre Kyle. Jack McDermott converted and tagged on a penalty to complete his 10-point haul, while a late kick from O’Donoghue gave gallant ‘Nure a losing bonus point.

Terenure scorers: Tries: Penalty try, Jake Swaine

Conversion: Jake Swaine

Penalties: James O’Donoghue [2]

Dublin University scorers:

Tries: Paddy Finlay, Michael Courtney, Evan Dixon

Conversions: Jack McDermott [2]

Penalties: Jack McDermott [2]

TERENURE: James O’Donoghue; Jake Swaine, Conor Kelly, Willie Devane, Sam Coghlan Murray; Marc Hiney, Kevin O’Neill; Kieran Moloney, Adam Clerkin, Gary Hamilton; Mike Murphy, Cathal Deans; James O’Neill, Patrick Thornton, Kyle McCoy (captain).

Replacements: Risteard Byrne, Rory Harrison, Robert Duke, Thomas Burke, Conor Finn.

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY: James O’Donovan, Bryan Mollen (capt), Michael Courtney, Kyle Dixon, Evan Dixon; Jack McDermott, Rowan Osborne; Eric O’Sullivan, Paddy Finlay, Andy Keating; Jack Burke, Pierce Dargan; Sam Pim, Ross Todd, Tom Ryan.

Replacements: Liam Cronin, Fintan Murphy, Cian O’Dwyer, Daniel Joyce, Fraser Wright.

Referee: Leo Colgan [IRFU].

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