Dublin University rise to the challenge

All-Ireland League: The most impressive performance over the weekend was that of Dublin University, who in their first Division One game on campus outfought a huge Buccaneers pack to earn a 20-12 victory.

The newest addition to the top tier showed they are not merely making up the numbers as a packed College Park witnessed a surprising break from the student tradition of open rugby. Instead, they rolled up their sleeves to overcome their vastly more experienced, and gnarled, opponents.

All their points came from fullback Simon Mitchell, five penalties and a try just before half-time, but it was at the coalface the match was won. Prop Forrest Gaynor, soon to be a Canadian international, to the detriment of the AIB League, and loose-head Niall Conlon shut out the influence of Martin Cahill and company, while captain Hugh Hogan led from the front all afternoon.

"It was a fast-paced and vicious match so the result is very good as we have a young pack," said Trinity coach Tony Smeeth. "We watched them play Galwegians recently and while we did a job on them they did not so we knew we were capable of winning."

It bodes well for this year's Colours match, on Friday, November 19th - Trinity are beginning to bridge the gap opened up by UCD since they introduced their successful academy system. However, UCD should still be able to hold sway as Saturday's victory away to Dungannon showed.

Jeremy Davidson's side surrendered a 17-10 lead as tries from Eoghan Hickey, Brian O'Riordan and Ross McCarron gave the students their second win from two outings and duly sent them top of the table, alongside Clontarf. The highlight of the contest was a magnificently struck drop goal by Hickey from the half-way line.

Clontarf may have gained their second victory, 11-6 away to County Carlow, but the performance unimpressive.

An early injury to Carlow outhalf Richie Murphy, formerly of Clontarf, meant the midlands side had little outlet to reward their forwards' good work. Dave Hewitt crossed for the only try, while David McAllister kicked two penalties.

Blackrock College eventually broke down Belfast Harlequins' resistance at Stradbrook, late tries from Andrew O'Neill and Barry Gavin putting some gloss on the victory.