First-half close-in tries from Bobby Sheehan and Nick Peters and both expertly converted from the touchline by James Tarrant put Collidge 0-14 ahead by the 32nd minute. A yellow card meant that Collidge would finish the half a man down and Terenure took advantage with an unconverted try (5-14) just on half-time.
Given the strength of the wind and worsening of the underfoot conditions, the 9-point lead seemed perilous as the home team owned possession deep in the Collidge half for the opening 10 minutes of the half. However, in the 51st minute Adam Byrne smartly intercepted a poor Terenure pass, raced clear of the home defenders and made light work of the sticky Lakelands (aptly named) pitch to sprint 70 metres to touch down. JT converted .. 5-21.
It was now all about defending this 16-point lead and Collidge did this with a very gutsy and disciplined final 25 minutes. Despite that, Terenure did manage a late converted try and a (last kick) penalty to salvage a losing bonus point.
Note: Next Saturday’s match v Clontarf will double as the final of the Leinster Senior Cup
UCD: 15 David Ryan; 14 Adam Byrne; 13 Gavin Mullin; 12 Andy Marks; 11 Barry Daly; 10 James Tarrant; 9 Nick Peters; 1 Emmet Burns; 2 Bobby Sheehan; 3 Sam Griffin; 4 John Fairley; 5 Jonny Guy (Capt); 6 Dan O’Donovan; 7 Alex Penny; 8 Stephen McVeigh. Replacements: 16 Richie Bergin; 17 Rory Mulvihill; 18 Bobby Leahy; 19 Harry Donnelly; 20 David Moran.
Next match: v Clontarf (home) 29/02 2.30pm
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