In the game of the season the clash of League leaders Ballynahinch with 2nd place UCD lived up to expectations last Saturday. With conditions perfect for running rugby both teams showed a willingness and ability to play an expansive game and shared 10 tries equally between them.

College went into an early lead with a try by Kevin Croke, converted by James Thornton.  It was short lived however as 'Hinch struck back with a fine converted try in the corner.  Once again the students attacked and tries by Shane Grannell and Terry Jones, both converted by Thornton took them into a 21-7 lead.  The pattern for the game continued when the visitors struck back with an unconverted try to leave the half time score 21-12.

The second period began with heavy pressure from Ballynahinch, which was relieved when an outstanding break and interplay between scrum half Rob Shanley and flanker Danny Kenny finished with Kevin Croke going over for his second try. Once again the impeccable Thornton converted and added another penalty to leave the home team with a 31-12 lead.  It was now that Ballynahinch showed why they are leading the league by playing some excellent rugby which stretched the college defence to the limit, scoring three tries in the last 20 minutes.  This was a period of dominance relieved by a brilliant individual try by UCD full back, Michael Twomey which Thornton again converted.

The final score of UCD 38 Ballynahinch  31 was a fair reflection on a wonderful game of rugby which sees College sharing the lead with 'Hinch at the top of the table.