DCU Rugby Opening Round Recap

Student Sport Ireland Rugby Mens Division 1: Round 1

University of Limerick ‘A’ 27 v Dublin City University ‘A’ 26

In an eagerly anticipated match played at UL North Campus 4G pitches, UL emerged as
victors over DCU due to a strong start and a crucial late penalty goal that extended a late
lead to 8 points.
Intelligent kicking by UL outhalf S.O’Grady led to early and extended territorial pressure that
was turned into early scores by J.Byrne, L.Fitzgerald and S.O’Hara. One of these was
converted by O’Grady and the lead was quickly 17-0 to the hosts.
However, Captain Liam Granville rallied his team with a powerful try on the 25 minute mark,
converted by DCU outhalf Josh Egan. When a maul was driven 30 metres for a try claimed
by hooker Michael McAteer, but the extras were not added.
Halftime brought some much needed rest before the game quickly roared into life once
again. From an attacking 5m scrum, UL outhalf O’Grady surged over directly off the scrum in
a well worked move. He duly converted his own score to extend the lead to 24-12.
The introduction of DCU scrumhalf Adam Butler saw the complexion of the game change,
with Justin Lowe shifting to outhalf. Aaron McAteer benefited from some quick ball and
converted a linebreak to speed his way to the line. Lowe converted to close the gap to 24-
19.
The game ebbed and flowed with Shane O’Connor, Liam Granville, Daniel O’Connell and
Charlie Coghlin prominent with their carries for DCU. However, after a penalty was marched
10m, UL’s O’Grady pointed to the posts and duly slotted an important penalty from 42m to
take the lead to 8 points with 8 minutes left on the clock.
Aaron Coffey-Keegan found his way to the line with a direct and physical carry and with
Lowe again converting the extras, there was one point in it with 4 minutes to go. Both teams
had possession and opportunities but ultimately, UL controlled the last 2 minutes and with a
series of close carries a penalty was forced and the influential O’Grady had the last say by
kicking the ball dead.

A competitive game, played in great spirit, was ultimately a great advertisement for Division
1 of the SSI league.

Scorers: UL: Tries: J. Byrne, L.Fitgerald, S.O’Hara, S.O’Grady; Cons: S.O’Grady 2; Pen:
S.O’Grady
Scorers: DCU: Tries: L.Granville, M.McAteer, A.McAteer, A.Coffey-Keegan, Cons: J.Egan,
J.Lowe (2)

Student Sport Ireland Rugby Womens Division 3B: Round 1

Technological University of Dublin ‘A’ 28 v Dublin City University ‘A’ 27

Coached this season by Ian Devery, DCU were drawn away to TUD in the first round of the
SSI league Division 3B. A dominant start from TUD saw the visitors on the back foot however
a series of strong carries and tireless work saw DCU tight head Ellie Filan crash over the
whitewash just inside the quarter hour mark. TUD shortly closed the gap after impressive
phase play led by a formidable centre partnership.
An impressive show of raw pace by winger Sina White left defenders trailing in her wake
narrowing the gap to 4 points moments before half time leaving the score TUD 14 to DCU 10
at the break.
TUD lifted their game on the restart, quickly opening their account after another impressive
phase display by the midfield duo.
DCU needed a swift response and they got it as replacement Fiona Odige crashed over the
line playing under penalty advantage.
An impressive defensive showcase by Orla Wafer enabled outside centre Nessa Carty to pip
through the defence and narrow the score difference as Alex Byrne slotted the extras with
10 minutes left on the clock.
Another burst of explosive pace from DCU’s Nessa Carty in the dying minutes failed to
nudge DCU over the line with the score finishing TUD 28 to DCU’s 27.
With training numbers being really high over the last few weeks, DCU are eager to return to
winning ways as DCU ‘A’ take on QUB in SSI Division 1 away next Wednesday 15 October.