Siale helps UL Bohemians to win

UL Bohemians 16 UCD 8, UL Bowl

A try from new winger Lupeni Siale helped UL Bohemians to victory in the first ever rugby match to be played at the UL Bowl.

Siale, who previously played for Manly in Australia, touched down in the second half after Bohs had turned around with the advantage of the wind.

Bohs and UCD were level at 3-3 at the break with Fergal Lawlor and Killian Lett swapping penalties. Siale's try was added to by Lawlor with a conversion, another penalty and a drop goal.

39-3 winners at the Belfield Bowl last season, Bohs never looked like they were get close to that score in what were difficult conditions.

Their set piece advantage marked them out as likely winners early on, although UCD were very much in the game at the break, even if they had failed to make the most of a strong wind in the opening 40 minutes.

They might have been 6-3 in front at the interval but Lett struck the post with an effort from 35 metres out and Bohs did well to scramble the ball to safety when they almost leaked a try in the ensuing phase.

But coming up to the hour, Bohs had a good grip on the game as they led 13-3. Siale, who is of New Zealand-Tongan heritage, scored a beautiful try which showcased the best of the Bohs backs.

Lawlor was having a good day with the boot and he kicked the hosts 16-3 clear before Andy Cummiskey nipped over for a consolation score in deepest injury-time. The match had been held up for a lengthy injury stoppage for UCD's former Ireland Under-20 back rower Sean O'Brien.

The result marked Bohs' sixth win in ten league meetings with the Dublin students and has them sitting fourth in the table. A solid start for new Bohs coach Ian Costello.

Scorers: UL Bohemians: Try: Lupeni Siale; Con: Fergal Lawlor; Pens: Fergal Lawlor 2; Drop: Fergal Lawlor

UCD: Try: Andy Cummiskey; Pen: Killian Lett

HT: UL Bohemians 3 UCD 3