Memorable year set to continue for cup specialists Bruff

NOTHING Bruff achieve these days ranks as a surprise and certainly UCD won’t land at Kilballyowen Park tomorrow with any expectations.

This Bateman Cup All-Ireland semi-final tie (3pm) brings together a country team pitched fourth in the National League Division 1B and a city side ranked second in a slightly lower division.

It has been an interesting and fruitful season for both clubs. Bruff won their first ODM Munster Senior Cup title with a sensational run of victories over heavyweights Shannon, Cork Constitution and Garryowen.

UCD claimed some decent scalps as well in Old Belvedere, Dublin University, Seapoint, Blackrock College and St Mary’s in an edgy Leinster final, all of which points to a tough encounter tomorrow.

Bruff’s winning run in the Ulster Bank League was ended by Lansdowne recently, but the manner of their Munster final win over Garryowen shows how they thrive on the big occasions.

A victory for either side here would mean an awful lot as Bruff are celebrating their 40th anniversary and UCD are in their centenary season.

Led by centre and captain Andy Cummiskey, UCD boast a hard working, talented squad. Look out for elusive winger Andy Boyle, powerful hooker David Doyle and Leinster-capped lock Mark Flanagan whose been on B&I Cup duty of late.

The students’ league form has been particularly impressive, with six wins in as many games, but Bruff will be confident of turning them over.

Marshalled by player-coaches Eoin Cahill and Peter Malone, the Limerick club has profited from a hugely successful underage structure. So much so that 19 players from their match day squad for the Munster final came through the ranks at Kilballyowen Park.

This will be a big day for the home side and for the huge numbers of supporters they’ve attracted to the game.

They are fighting for the right to meet either Division 1B colleagues Dungannon or second division outfit Corinthians, who meet in the other semi-final at Stevenson Park this afternoon.