Metro League Div 4: Naas RFC 34–13 J2

The trip down the N7 to face the cobras have always been tough affairs for the J2’s in recent seasons, and this time was to be no different. Despite this, Collidge couldn’t have wished for a better start.

A Naas lineout overthrow was taken at the tail & trucked up by Jerry Nolan. From the ensuing breakdown scrumhalf Jeremey Trane went on a mazy run from the base of the ruck, bamboozling the Naas defence with steps that wouldn’t look out of place on the coppers dance floor, before dotting down under the posts.

Conor Scully knocked over the conversion for an early 7-0 lead. Naas grew into the game despite this early setback, aided by Collidge turnovers & penalty concessions. Naas played to their traditional strengths & this paid dividends as they levelled up the scoreboard with a converted try from a maul. They added two more tries (one converted) either side of a Scully penalty to lead at halftime 19-10.

UCD were well in the game as the second half progressed, further aided by two yellow cards for Naas. Naas added a few scores before the final whistle to leave the score line at 34-13 FT.

UCD: 15 Brendan McDonnell; 14 James Shanahan ; 13 Scott Smith; 12 Zach White; 11 Dan Molloy; 10 Tim Wu Murphy; 9 Jeremy Trane; 1 Luke Filan; 2 Isaac Philips; 3 Jeremiah Nolan; 4 Sam Doggett; 5 William Langrell; 6 Joe Hastings; 7 Richard Akpan; 8 Conor Scully. Replacements (all used): 16 Tom Cleary; 17 Conor O’Sullivan; 18 Emmet Fogarty; 19 Harry Doyle; 20 Alex Coldrick.

Next match: v Old Belvedere (away) Ollie Campbell Park Fri 15/10 8pm