Meanwhile, UCC completed a memorable day for the university clubs as they were promoted to Division 1B on the back of a thrilling 30-28 play-off success against Blackrock College at Stradbrook.
After fighting back from a 27-14 deficit during the closing stages, Blackrock scrum half Jack O’Carroll had a chance to win the game and keep his side up with a 35-metre penalty. However, much to the relief of the visitors, his kick rebounded off the post before being cleared to safety.
UCC led early on thanks to an opening penalty from winger Kevin O’Keeffe, but converted tries from prop Mikey Russell and flanker Sam Cooke – in the 16th and 37th minutes respectively – had the Dubliners in a strong position.
Yet, UCC finished the first half in fine style, and owing to excellent five-pointers from centres Paul Kiernan and Kevin Slater (both of which were converted by O’Keeffe), they turned around with a 17-14 advantage.
Indeed, the Cork club’s chances of gaining promotion from Division 2A received a massive boost three minutes after the restart, as flanker Conor Barry crossed the whitewash at the end of a magnificent run from deep.
O’Keeffe comfortably converted and his successful 50th minute penalty left ‘Rock with a mountain climb. Out-half Tim Clifford’s sin-binning 11 minutes from time was a setback for UCC, though, and when David Rowan dotted down in the left corner three minutes later, the hosts were back in contention.
Another three-pointer by O’Keeffe eased the UCC nerves before Cooke’s second touchdown set up a nerve-wracking finale. It looked like ‘Rock were going to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in injury-time, but the woodwork came to UCC’s rescue.