Byrne On The Double For Four-Try Students
Leinster Academy speedster Adam Byrne helped himself to two tries in UCD’s 32-12 bonus point defeat of Dolphin at Belfield on Saturday afternoon.
The students bounced back from losing away to Young Munster last week, shooting into an early 14-0 lead. A converted try from lock Brian Quill kept Dolphin competitive at the break as they trailed 22-7.
But UCD's pace and angles of running were too much for the Corkmen at times, with outside centre Harry McNulty and replacement James Harrison also touching down.
Dolphin did get some joy from the forward exchanges and new tighthead prop James 'Rocky' Rochford scored a second half try, however it was scant consolation for Steve Ford's side who remain bottom of the Division 1A table and are the only team yet to win.
Collidge opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Sam Coghlan Murray showed some great strength and pace to break two tackles. His run was about to be halted but McNulty was in close support to take the pass and touch down. Liam Bourke converted for an early 7-0 lead.
Eight minutes later, out-half Bourke added the extras to Byrne's first try of the day after Peadar Timmins, Gavin Thornbury and UCD captain Emmet MacMahon had all handled possession in the build-up.
Dolphin, who had Batt Duggan on board at hooker, put their poor start behind them with a try at the end of the opening quarter. In what was their first visit to the students' 22, they took advantage of a defensive mix-up for Quill to score a seven-pointer.
UCD replied with a high quality third try in the 28th minute. It originated from a sniping midfield run by scrum half Bobby Holland, with Andrew Boyle and Stephen Murphy also gaining yards before Bourke's brilliantly timed pass sent winger Byrne over in the corner. A late penalty from Bourke put 15 points between sides at half-time.
The visitors enjoyed a good start to the second period and a lineout maul was driven over for Rochford to score his first league try in Dolphin colours.
However, UCD continued to dominate the set pieces and Dolphin's inability to legally defence was punished by a yellow card a penalty tucked away by replacement Ross Byrne.
That gave Bobby Byrne's charges a match-winning cushion of 25-12 and they wrapped up the bonus point in the 75th minute, profiting from a powerful close range maul. The pack set up the drive from five metres out and Harrison was credited with the try which Ross Byrne converted.
Referee: Stuart Gaffikin (IRFU)