Hanrahan inspires UL Bohs win

WHAT was meant to be another milestone in the Bruff rugby odyssey came unstuck last evening when Peter Malone’s out-of-sorts side slumped to a third defeat in a row.

Bruff 12UL, Bohemian 25

Kilballyowen Park hosted a Friday evening All-Ireland League game under lights for the first time and the misfiring home side were hoping to use the occasion to kick start an already faltering season.

While the home side enjoyed a decent amount of possession throughout, in a contest played in front a big attendance in near- perfect conditions, they sadly lack penetration in final third where it mattered most.

Bruff lacked attacking ideas, with raids on the opposing line all too predictable.

Aside from the game’s only try, the only other incident of note was a free- for-all late in the first half after which the referee was lenient to have just brandished two yellow cards.

The game’s only try came on the 28th minute after a neat break by out half and former Schools player JJ Hanrahan.

He scythed through the home cover and found Munster player Tommy O’Donnell on his shoulder, who in turn was held up short of the line with hooker Sean Henry eventually providing the support and getting in for the touch down.

Hanrahan provided the add-ons to help the city side into a 16-3 half-time lead.

Apart from the try, the game’s scoring was restricted to a shootout between Hanrahan — who landed five penalty attempts and a drop goal — and Bruff’s Brian Cahill who found the range with four shots at goal.

BRUFF: B Deady; P O’Brien, B Cahill, J Carroll, A Cashman; T Cahill (Capt), E Maher; D Horan, J Hogan, G Collins; B Morrissey, M O’Connell; A Bourke, J Shine, P Malone.

Replacements; P Cleary, C O’Sullivan, M Carroll, G Leonard, M Cosgrave.

UL BOHEMIAN:A McNulty; T Quick, D Moroney, N Kenneally, E Torrie: J.J. Hanrahan, C Sheridan; D Kilcoyne, S Henry, K Flanagan; E Kelly, D Foley; E Rossiter, T O’Donnell, S Rennison.

Replacements: D Cantillon, B Walsh, C Kindregan, D Harris, C Nairn.

Referee: L Colgan, IRFU.