UCD Prevail In Eight-Try Thriller
A series of untimely knock-ons and defensive errors hit Buccaneers’ hopes of victory at Belfield as UCD battled their way to a six-point success in AIB League Division One on Saturday.
AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION ONE: Saturday, January 24
UCD 30 BUCCANEERS 24, Belfield Bowl
Scorers: UCD: Tries: Fergus McFadden, Ian McKinley, Conor Quinn, Cian Aherne; Cons: Fergus McFadden 2; Pens: Fergus McFadden 2
Buccaneers: Tries: Sean Carey, Danny Riordan, Conor O’Loughlin, Kolo Kiripati; Cons: Alan Gaughan 2
In truth, the students did enough to merit what could prove to be a vital win as it has moved them up to 11th in the table and away from the relegation zone.
Buccs took a 14-12 half-time lead with Sean Carey and Connacht’s Danny Riordan scoring converted tries and Leinster squad member Fergus McFadden and Ian McKinley touching down for UCD.
The crucial period of the game came for UCD, either side of the hour mark, as Conor Quinn and Cian Aherne raced through for tries and McFadden added eight points with kicks.
McFadden’s last penalty, coming after a Conor O’Loughlin try for Buccs, pushed College’s lead out to 30-19 but Kolo Kiripati burst through for a late try which ultimately gained Buccs two bonus points.