UCD seal opening day win

UCD 36 County Carlow 19

UCD’s young brigade showed their class in pulling clear of County Carlow in the second half for a comfortable win.

These sides ironically met on the final afternoon of last season – UCD ran out 29-22 winners - but this time around, John McClean’s students had more control over matters.

Carlow, though, were 12-0 up inside eight minutes as both Ross Jackson and powerful Tongan Tumasle Tosala crossed the home whitewash.

UCD, against the wind, struck back to level at the break through tries from Stephen Grissing, whose effort was converted by fly half Eoghan Hickey, and Ross McCarron.

Carlow’s lineout was malfunctioning and Hickey, with the breeze behind him, toyed with the midlanders in the second half.

Touchdowns from McCarron again, Michael Fanning and Ken Kennedy, who was sent through by a lovely flat pass from Hickey, pulled UCD clear.

Hickey converted four of College’s five tries and also landed a second half penalty.

Scorers: UCD: Tries: Ross McCarron 2, Stephen Grissing, Ken Kennedy, Michael Fanning; Cons: Eoghan Hickey 4; Pen: Hickey

Carlow: Tries: Ross Jackson 2, Tumasle Tosala; Cons: Greg Jacob 2