Dublin Uni hold on for final spot

DUBLIN UNIVERSITY 19 OLD BELVEDERE 16

Despite having Ireland U21 flanker Jamie Heaslip sin-binned in the second half, Dublin University held on for an AIB League Division Two semi-final win over Old Belvedere, having scored all their points in the first half.

The scheduling of the Leinster Metropolitan Cup final for next Wednesday left the Old Belvedere bench short handed, and it showed in the end as the students edged their Dublin rivals in a titanic tussle at College Park.

Already assured of top flight football next season, Trinity looked assured in the early stages under the controlling boot of out-half Keelan McGowan as they earned the game’s first try through tight head prop Forrest Gainer after 12 minutes.

Belvedere kept in touch through the boot of Dave Fitzgerald, and he clipped over a penalty and a conversion of Conor Devine’s try to leave the visitors 19-10 down at the break.

McGowan had splayed the Belvedere lines for Trinity’s second and third tries for Barry Kinsella and hard-working full back Thomas Horner, but the points dried up for the home sides in an erratic second half.

Heaslip was yellow carded for persistent infringing on 67 minutes as Belvedere staged a late fight back, but despite a second Fitzgerald penalty and a 77th minute drop goal, Trinity held on to add another historic moment to their 150th year celebrations.

They will play the winners of tomorrow’s second semi-final between UL Bohemians and UCC at Thomond Park (kick-off 2.30pm).

Trinity director of rugby Tony Smeeth singled out McGowan as man-of-the-match after the final whistle.

"Keelan was probably our best player again today," he said of the former Blackrock College kicker.

"He controlled the game for long periods and has been a huge help to us this season, having stepped up from the under 20s."

Scorers: Dublin University: Forrest Gainer, Barry Kinsella, Thomas Horner; Cons: Keelan McGowan Old Belvedere: Try: Conor Devine; Pens: Dave Fitzgerald 2; Drop gl: Dave Fitzgerald