TRIES in the final quarter from flanker Michael McGroarty and Barry Daly were crucial at Stradbrook as UCD secured their place in the All-Ireland League promotion/relegation play-off in fine style with a 40-24 victory over near rivals Blackrock College.
‘Rock opened the scoring on six minutes when they were awarded a penalty try following a collapsed scrum by the visitors, and Rob Keogh calmly slotted over the conversion. The Students hit back with McGroarty’s first try just two minutes later. Outhalf Niall Earls was on target with his bonus kick before the Belfield men increased their advantage to with three penalties from their reliable place kicker.
A breakaway try by right-wing Paddy Dix gave the Students a 21-7 interval lead but the home side came out for the second period will all guns blazing, however, and two converted scores levelled matters just before the hour mark.
A try from Brian Cawley (converted this time by replacement James Thornton) reaffirmed UCD’s superiority. Keogh did narrow the gap with a successful three-point attempt, but UCD made sure of their 14th league triumph with a further five-pointer from McGroarty, before winger Barry Daly concluded the scoring.