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Coolmine give students a rugby lesson
Coolmine 22 Dublin University 10

The game in the Metro Cup was played on the last Sunday in January. Coolmine dismissed the challenge of visitors Dublin University with this 22-10 win at Ashbrook. Completely dominant in the opening half, Coolmine scored three tries to build what turned out to be an unassailable lead. Dublin University revived themselves to put points on the board in a closely fought second period, but at that point the game was beyond them.

Quick hands were in evidence from both sides on a good day for running rugby. The opening quarter belonged to Coolmine, as Dublin University struggled to win possession and were limited to counter attacks. Just five minutes in, quick hands across the line released Alan Cousins who finished well wide out for an unconverted try.

It was a superb start, and Coolmine kept up the pace with strong carries from Harley Murray, Eoin Mullen, Liam McGrath and others. Good phases of play led to a second try not long afterwards, again quick and clean ball from Andy Barry was swept wide to Rory Farrell who drew to put Cousins in space. The winger beat two covering tackles, stepping infield to dot down. Liam McGrath kicked the extras for a 12-0 lead after just 15 minutes.

Dublin University gradually came into the game a little more, and were always dangerous on the counterattack. They also began to take more possession from a solid lieout platform. However the Coolmine defence was committed and there were few opportunities for the students.

On 30 minutes a kick through in open play from Hayes was chased down by Ollie Prunty who used good strength to reach for the touch down, ahead of two opponents. The conversion made it 19-0 and Coolmine were sailing ahead. A good Dublin University attack just before the half time whistle came to nothing and at the interval Coolmine had a commanding lead.

The second half however was much more even, as Dublin University won more possession and played deep into the home half. Some good Coolmine breaks in this half went unfinished, one powerful surge from Niall Ganly deserving more, and Andy Barry was threatening every time he carried.

When McGrath knocked over another penalty to make it 22-0, Dublin University were game for everything, running ball well and taking quick penalties in an effort to build momentum.

As the game entered the final quarter, Dublin University struck a penalty to get points on the board. Not long afterwards Coolmine had a lineout which was pinched by the visitors - who then bravely ran out of defence. Coolmine were caught cold and the Dublin University backs showed their potency as excellent hands put their winger away for a length of the field score.

It was converted to give the students a faint glimmer of hope. However it was all too little, far too late, as Coolmine defended well to see out the game, 22-10 the final score.

Coolmine will now travel to meet Wanderers at Merrion Road next Sunday in the second round of the Metro Cup. Wanderers were surprised last year by Coolmine so will be keen to exact some revenge. All support appreciated for this knockout tie!

Coolmine 1st XV: 15. Tom Lane, 14. Ian Flynn, 13. Sean Mackay, 12. Ruairi Farrell, 11. Alan Cousins, 10. Conor Hayes, 9. Andrew Barry, 8. Liam McGrath, 7. Harley Murray (capt.), 6. Ollie Prunty, 5. Dave Toole, 4. Niall Ganly, 3. Robbie Savage, 2. Eoin Mullen, 1. Kieran Cawley. Subs: John McCullough, Stephen Boyle, Brian Wynne, Rob Kiersey.

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