UCC keep play-off challenge on course

RUGBY: AIB LEAGUE – DIVISION 1B

UCC 19 Galwegians 13, The Mardyke

UCC completed a season’s double over Galwegians, running out 19-13 winners of today’s AIB League Division 1B clash at the Mardyke.

Second half tries from goal-kicking winger Brian Derham and in-form full-back Sean Scanlon helped the Cork students keep their play-off challenge on course.

Indeed, it was a fifth win in six league games for Conor Twomey’s youngsters who mustered a 19-11 win over Galwegians at Crowley Park back in October.

The first half was largely dominated by the forwards and the game remained scoreless until ‘Wegians full-back Mark Butler converted a 40-metre penalty on 26 minutes.

Scanlon hit back for the ‘College side with a well-taken try in the corner, teed up by the attacking efforts of captain Ivan Dineen and scrum half Brian Slater.

A second penalty from Butler nudged the visitors into a 6-5 interval advantage, but UCC’s firepower out wide saw them slice through for two crucial tries in the third quarter.

Derham and Scanlon were the scorers and although bustling back rower Ati Olive grabbed a converted try for ‘Wegians, UCC were able to see out a result which solidifies their third place position – six points behind new leaders Young Munster.

Scorers: UCC: Tries: Sean Scanlon 2, Brian Derham; Cons: Brian Derham 2

Galwegians: Try: Ati Olive; Con: Mark Butler; Pens: Mark Butler 2