Collidge began their League campaign on Saturday, and scored 6 tries, with a sparkling display of inventive, decisive and stylish rugby against a strong Belfast Harlequins team.

Collidge began their League campaign on Saturday, and scored 6 tries, with a sparkling display of inventive, decisive and stylish rugby against a strong Belfast Harlequins team bolstered by Ulster Rugby’s Mark Kettyle, Niall Annett and Stuart Olding .. the latter being allowed nothing like the freedom he was afforded in the last season’s encounter at the UCD Bowl.


Quins advantage of being 3-0 up after as many minutes was short-lived as the game developed a thrilling pattern of Collidge attacks, the first of which yielded a well-taken try by Barry Daly after 5 minutes (3-5) converted by James Thornton, who was unerring with the boot throughout.


Quins were not to score again in the first-half as Collidge ran into a 3-21 lead with stunning counter attacks which yielded further tries for Emmet McMahon, and Eoin Joyce (after a superb break from Sam Coughlan Murray had opened up the home team’s defence). Half-time 3-21


A bonus-point try from Alex Kelly (one of the best you’ll see!) and another from the steel-boned Danny Kenny brought the score to 3-33 before a Quins try brought the score to 33-8. Danny scored again (38-8) before 2 Quins tries left the score at 40-13. Another Quins try before Niall Earls nailed a penalty and then Barry Daly grabbed his second and Collidge’s 6th try. Full-time: Belfast Harlequins 20 UCD 48.


A long League ahead but a great start!

 


UCD (including 10 of last season’s all-conquering Under 21’s!) 15 Andy Boyle; 14 Barry Daly; 13 Alex Kelly; 12 Stephen Murphy; 11 Sam Coghlan-Murray; 1 James Tracy; 2 Risteard Byrne (Captain); 3 Kieran Moloney; 4 Shane Grannell; 5 Emmet Byrne; 6 Danny Kenny; 7 Mark McGroarty; 8 Eoin Joyce. ROLLING SUBSTITUTES (all used) 16 Rory Harrison (back at his former club!); 17 Adam Clarkin; 18 Jordan Coghlan; 19 Jamie Glynn; 20 Niall Earls.


Home to Bruff at the UCD Bowl on Saturday next (14.30) with every confidence of staying on top of the Division 1B table ... and if our performance is anything like Saturday .. you shouldn’t miss it! Pre-match lunch at the Student Centre (12.30) €15 .... book your place on info@ucdrugby.com.