Trinity take a bow on top flight debut

Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Terenure College 18, Dublin University 25. Dublin University enjoyed a winning Ulster Bank League Division 1A debut as they handed 14-man Terenure College Park a 25-18 defeat at Lakelands Park.

Terenure were really up against it after scrum half Kevin O’Neill’s 11th-minute sending-off for use of the boot, but a penalty try and a Jake Swaine effort had the hosts 12 points to the good.

However, Trinity hit their attacking stride to make it 15-10 at the break. Full-back James O’Donovan impressed on a sidestepping run and then hooker Paddy Finlay rumbled over from close range.

Despite losing prop Andy Keating to the sin-bin, the students opened the second half with another try, quick turnover ball releasing centre Michael Courtney for the corner.

Tony Smeeth’s youngsters pushed into a 22-15 lead thanks to winger Evan Dixon’s 55th-minute touchdown, which saw him link neatly with his brother, centre Kyle.

Steady out-half Jack McDermott converted and tagged on a penalty, while a late kick from James O’Donoghue gave gallant ‘Nure a losing bonus point.

Scorers for Terenure College:

Tries: Penalty try, Jake Swaine; Con: Jake Swaine; Pens: James O’Donoghue 2.

Dublin University scorers:

Tries: Paddy Finlay, Michael Courtney, Evan Dixon; Cons: Jack McDermott 2; Pens: Jack McDermott 2.

TERENURE COLLEGE:

James O’Donoghue; Jake Swaine, Conor Kelly, Willie Devane, Sam Coghlan Murray; Marc Hiney, Kevin O’Neill; Kieran Moloney, Adam Clerkin, Gary Hamilton, Mike Murphy, Cathal Deans, James O’Neill, Patrick Thornton, Kyle McCoy (capt).

Replacements:

Risteard Byrne, Rory Harrison, Robert Duke, Thomas Burke, Conor Finn.

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY:

James O’Donovan, Bryan Mollen (capt), Michael Courtney, Kyle Dixon, Evan Dixon; Jack McDermott, Rowan Osborne; Eric O’Sullivan, Paddy Finlay, Andy Keating, Jack Burke, Pierce Dargan, Sam Pim, Ross Todd, Tom Ryan.

Replacements:

Liam Cronin, Fintan Murphy, Cian O’Dwyer, Daniel Joyce, Fraser Wright.

Referee:

Leo Colgan (IRFU).