UCD Demolish Dungannon With 13-Try Display

UCD undoubtedly claimed the result of the round in the Ulster Bank League on Saturday with a stunning 84-15 dismissal of out-of-sorts Dungannon.

Leinster prospect Sam Coghlan Murray ran in three of UCD's 13 tries with forwards David Doyle, Conor Gilsenan and Risteard Byrne also getting in on the act.

The home supporters could hardly believe their eyes as they watched the lively students add five tries in the final 10 minutes to round off a record defeat for the Tyrone men.

The result edges Bobby Byrne's impressive crop of youngsters into second place in the Division 1B table, but for Dungannon the battle against the dreaded drop continues.

Conditions were perfect for running rugby and UCD, following an encouraging win over leaders Ballynahinch and last weekend's Colours success against Dublin University, quickly unleashed their array of Leinster Academy backs.

Barry Daly threatened on the left wing before a timely tackle from Darren Simpson halted the danger. UCD's next offensive was thwarted by Paul Magee, but the students persisted and from a lineout take good work by Danny Kenny and Jordan Coghlan saw centre Alex Kelly race through for the opening try on six minutes.

Dungannon responded with some good driving before the students conceded a 13th minute penalty and Stuart McCloskey split the posts from 20 metres out.

That was cancelled out five minutes later when Niall Earls replied in kind to make it 8-3. UCD then made their presence felt in the second quarter.

Kenny started a move up the left flank for Kelly to complete his brace in the 25th minute. Earls added the extras and then converted winger Coghlan Murray’s first try minutes later.

Earls left the pitch for running repairs but he had no sooner gone than his replacement, James Thornton raced clear for a try. Just before the break, winger Daly dotted down to leave UCD with a comfortable 34-3 advantage.

Dungannon’s hopes of getting back in the game soon faded when visiting full-back Andrew Boyle darted over just two minutes into the second period.

The home side bounced back though and when UCD forced an attack into touch, Paul Jackson scored a fine opportunist try from the ensuing lineout.

Back came UCD and after pinning Dungannon in their own half, Jordan Coghlan broke clear for Thornton to convert in the 52nd minute.

Flanker Gilsenan then added the visitors’ eighth try and UCD were out of sight at 51-8. In the final quarter the Dungannon pack did well to brew up a try for Timmy Smith with McCloskey adding the simple conversion.

However, the closing stages really belonged to UCD who completed the rout with five more tries with replacements Byrne and Rob Shanley, Coghlan Murray (2) and hooker Doyle all crossing the whitewash.

Earls converted four to complete the scoring on a day Dungannon will want to quickly forget. They face a crucial Ulster derby tie against bottom side Ballymena in two weeks' time.

Referee: Simon McDowell (IRFU)