Ulster Bank League
UCD’s late comeback stuns Mary’s
UCD…………………………………….. 23
St Mary’s College………………… 20
A stunning final-quarter comeback made all the difference at Belfield last night, as UCD kicked off the new Ulster Bank League season with a hard-earned victory over St Mary’s College.
Penalties from Gavin Dunne and Ross Byrne saw UCD lead 9-3 heading into first-half stoppage-time, but when Byrne pulled back Marcus O’Driscoll as he raced towards the line, a penalty try was awarded. Dunne converted to give Mary’s a slender 10-9 cushion at the mid-way point. The visitors then extended their lead through a try by Keelan McKenna 17 minutes from time and Dunne followed up with his second penalty.
But just when UCD’s challenge seemed to have evaporated, Liam Hyland’s 71st minute try set-up a grandstand finale before a second penalty try of the contest after 77 minutes – converted by Byrne – sealed a dramatic win.
SCORERS – UCD: L Hyland try, penalty try, R Byrne 3 pens, 2 cons. St Mary’s College: K McKenna try, penalty try, G Dunne 2 pens, 2 cons.