Bohemians clinch first ever U20s championship title

UL Bohemians 5 Lansdowne 0

It took over 100 minutes before UL Bohemians could capture their first ever All-Ireland Under-20 championship title at Portlaoise RFC as a second half try from winger Philip Gardiner ensured the students went home with the Frazer McMullen trophy.

In a game blighted by injuries, Lansdowne were dealt a major blow early on when proceedings were halted for 15 minutes, after a suspected leg break to Nick Mullen, grandson of former Ireland captain Karl, and he was immediately taken to the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise by ambulance.

UL Bohemians certainly had most of the possession in the first half but failed to make it pay on the scoreboard.

Their kicker Myles O'Riordan misfired in the 22nd-minute and in injury-time in the opening half, with Kieran McArdle joining Mullen on the injury list for the Dubliners, who were chasing a first crown at this grade since 1999.

Lansdowne's possession was limited in the opening 40 minutes-plus, but they had a chance to go in front seconds before the half-time whistle.

Ulster referee Jonathan Peak awarded them a penalty but again the blustery wind won out as Lorcan Kavanagh watched his chance sail wide of the posts, ensuring a scoreless first half.

The second period was a more balanced affair as both Bohs and Lansdowne had their periods of dominance, but again there was little reward on the scoresheet.

The deadlock was finally broken 18 minutes in, when Bohs team captain Giles Boland put Philip Gardiner over for the only score of the contest.

This was a battle hardened performance from the first-time winners, who deserved their triumph based on the run of play.

After the game, Laois man Boland accepted the Frazer McMullen Trophy on behalf of an excited and energetic college side, from IRFU Senior Vice-President John Lyons.