Bruff's dominance defeats Bohemians

UL Bohemians 16 Bruff 20

Dominance in the forward exchanges by their bigger and heavier pack paved the way for an important win by Bruff in Division 1B tonight.

In constant rain at Thomond Park, the relegation-threatened county side had a dream start when they went in front inside a few minutes thanks to a Brian Cahill penalty.

Ed Torrie levelled matters for UL Bohemians and then he pounced for a try. He charged down an attempted clearance, picked up and went over.

The talented out-half converted to make it 13-3 and it looked like UL's recent winning form was going to continue in this lively Limerick derby.

But seven minutes before the interval, Bruff lock Alan Bourke notched a try which Cahill converted to leave it 10-10 at the interval.

It was a mainly forwards-dominated contest and in this department Bruff held the upper hand. Another Cahill penalty nudged them back in front.

Despite Torrie being on target with two penalties for Bohs, it was a converted try from full-back Brendan Deady that sealed a valuable victory for Bruff.

Home side Bohs could not respond in the closing stages and had to settle for a losing bonus point. Bruff are now up to seventh in the table, 10 points adrift of fifth-placed UL.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE, DIVISION 1B:

UL Bohemians 16 Bruff 20

Scorers: UL Bohemians: Try: Ed Torrie; Con: Ed Torrie; Pens: Ed Torrie 3

Bruff: Tries: Alan Bourke, Brendan Deady; Cons: Brian Cahill 2; Pens: Brian Cahill 2

HT: UL Bohemians 10 Bruff 10