Old Belvedere were the main movers in Ulster Bank League Division 1A today, climbing two places to fifth as Josh Glynn’s impressive 17-point tally propelled them a 25-13 victory over UCD at Anglesea Road.
UCD made the better start with Leinster ‘A’ star Ross Byrne splitting the posts from a 25-metre penalty and five minutes later, Byrne’s cross-field kick was gathered and dotted down by winger Sam Coghlan Murray for his third try in two games.
Byrne’s outstanding touchline conversion had UCD 10-0 in front, but the dependable Josh Glynn replied off the kicking tee and breaks from Michael Oyuga and captain Jonathan Slattery got the Old Belvedere attack firing.
Glynn and Byrne swapped further penalties by the half hour mark and despite losing hooker to a 31st minute yellow card, the hosts went through the phases to set up recent Leinster cap Steve Crosbie for a drop goal.
That cut the UCD lead to 13-9 for half-time and with the students having flanker Donagh Lawler sin-binned late on, the momentum was shifting in Old Belvedere’s favour.
The trusty right boot of winger Glynn converted a penalty, two minutes into the second half, and UCD found themselves trailing for the first time when Glynn landed his fourth successful penalty in the 53rd minute.
Moving into the final quarter, ‘Belvo pressed for a try during a long spell of dominance. They fell just short of crossing the whitewash but a further penalty and a yellow card for UCD’s Jordan Coghlan saw Glynn make it 18-13.
Bobby Byrne’s young side were still in contention until Old Belvedere replacement Aaron Sheehan drove over six minutes from time for a converted try, putting the final outcome beyond doubt.