UUC vs Ophir

UUC travelled to Mallusk, to face their bogey team on Wednesday night, and came out to a flying start. After conceding an early penalty, and therefore 3 points, the students struck back with a try. From set piece play at a lineout in the Ophir 22, second row Michael Dunleavy was able to pick from a ruck and drive over for the first points of the game for UUC. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful however. Once Ophir restarted again, UUC were attacking into the Ophir half again. Some great ball retention by the forwards gave the backs room to run, and after a cheeky switch from full back Jamie Ball, Sam Hall got in for the second try of the game. Alan Whitcroft was able to complete the conversion. Some great play from James Blair and Andrew Hassard stealing the ball off the Ophir back allowed for a quick counter-attack by the backs, with captain Jonathan Brown finishing under the sticks. Alan Whitcroft scored the extra points. Centre Tim Shaw was on fine form, attacking with some impressive lines, gaining yards. Ophir bravely attempted some attacking play, but the students defence was up to standard, with big hits in the midfield from centres Tom Kavanagh and Tim Shaw slowing up their attack and allowing for the impressive UUC pack to steal the ball. From a scrum in the UUC half, the students moved the ball quickly, using their pace and scored a try through fullback Jamie Ball. The conversion was unsuccessful. Ophir became desperate to have some points to show for themselves, and became desperate in attack, showing glimpses of class, unfortunately it didn’t come off for them. For the last try of the half, the boys from Coleraine capitalised on an Ophir mistake, allowing for Tom Kavanagh to run in under the sticks, and Alan Whitcroft was able to add the extra points. At half time, the score was 31-3 to UUC. The second half saw UUC calm down their play, playing some off the cuff rugby, and trying different things. The Ophir men were not going to lie down and surrender, and kept on attacking the students. The defence of UUC was impressive, with each attack by Ophir, being met by some big hits and a stingy defence by the students. UUC were able to hold out and kill off the game and looked comfortable in defence just as much as in attack. Ophir were able to score some consolation points as winger Richard Murphy was left on his own against three Ophir players. The final score was 31-10.