Blackrock welcomed Dublin University to Stradbrook to kick off their start to the new year on Saturday looking to atone for the last-minute loss in the reverse fixture pre-Christmas.
Rock started the brighter and made their pressure tell when Derry Moloney found his fellow Irish Under 20 international Ciaran Mangan with an inside ball to open the scoring. O'Shaugnessy added the extras. Trinity got themselves on the board soon after with a try of their own and it looked like the score was going to remain the same till half-time. Trinity got one last attack in the first half and when they broke the Rock defensive line it seemed a try was inevitable. Unfortunately for them, the final pass fell into the open arms of Rock full-back Brian Colclough, and he had just enough speed to scamper down the touchline and slide into the corner. 14-5 at half-time and a scoreboard more reflective of the first half dominance.
The second half started but didn't really kick into gear. Both defenses held firm and a lot of the game was played around the middle portion of the pitch. Rock added two three pointers through the trusty boot of O'Shaugnessy and he wasn't done there. On 60th minute mark Rock had an attacking scrum on half-way, a step and a break from man of the match O'Shaugnessy and he flew into the clubhouse end to score. 27 - 8 and all that was left to see who would pick up any bonus points. On this occasion it was Dublin University, scoring two quick tries to secure their losing bonus point. Full time score 27 - 22 and Rock remain in the playoff spots. Next up this week is a trip to the Mardyke to face playoff chasing UCC. All support welcome!
FT: Blackrock College RFC 27 - 22 DUFC
Photo images and gallery below provided by John Crothers, JC Sports Photography.
Comments