Belfast Harlequins 27-18 UCC
Belfast Harlequins stretched their lead at the top of division 1B with this hard fought victory over the Cork Students in wintery conditions. Two first half tries and a late penalty try were enough to secure the valuable league points. However, the Cork Students were unlucky not to come away with a losing bonus after a tremendous effort.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOTS
Brian Kingston opening the scoring after 7 minutes with a successful penalty when a ‘Quins penalty was reversed after dissent. ‘Quins were in the students 22 within minutes and a strong forward surge allowed Mark McGrath to power his way over for the home sides first try. Ian Porter added the conversion.
Quins forwards were dominant in the set piece and a predictable penalty resulted when the UCC’s scrum was under pressure. Porter stretched his sides lead to 10-3 with a successful kick.
The home side’s second try came a short time later when Michael Allen glided over. Porter was again on target with the conversion.
Just before half time UCC decreased the deficit with another penalty and the score remained17-6 at the interval.
From the restart ‘Quins quickly advanced to the student’s 5 metre lead, with another try looking inevitable, but UCC winger Joe Holland intercepted a loose pass and ran the full length of the pitch to score in the corner. Kingston was unable to add the difficult conversion.
Further pressure at the set piece resulted in another successful penalty for the ‘Quins by Porter, however the intercept try seemed to knock their composure somewhat allowing UCC back into the game at this stage.
The students were awarded for some excellent ball retention with their second try by prop Peter McCabe on 54 minutes. Kingston added the conversion to take his side within 2 points of the league leaders.
However, McCabe went from hero to villain when he was yellowed carded for a scrum infringement whilst Quins were camped on the UCC line. ‘Quins were awarded a penalty try with just 7 minutes of normal time remaining after a serious of penalties against UCC for further scrum encroachments. Stuart Olding added the conversion.
As the Deramore men pressed for the fourth try and bonus point, Mark Kettyle was shown yellow for killing the ball deep in injury time. Unfortunately time ran out and ‘Quins were happy to get a win, albeit an uneasy one.
League results elsewhere soon warmed the hearts in the clubhouse as ‘Quins went 3 points clear at the top of Division 1B. Next week sees an Ulster Bank League intermission with an Ulster Senior League match against Armagh on Friday evening, 8pm KO. See you there.
Starman: Richard Lutton
Belfast Harlequins: Scholes, Stewart, Allen, Kettyle, Holmes, Olding, Porter, Lutton, Annett, McGrath, Rourke, Ferguson, Rea, Babe, McComb
Replacements: Greenaway, Montgomery, Heatlie, O’Hagan, Creighton.
UCC: O’Suilleabhain, Deane, Slater, Duffy, Holland, Kingston, Slater, McCabe, Falvey, Ryan, Mulcahy, Quill, Ryan, O’Callaghan, McCarthy.
Replacements: O’Neill, O’Donnell, Lenihan, Parfrey, Jouve.
Referee: David Keane.
