Although out played for most of the game, Trinity only trailed 14-10 with ten minutes to go in this Leinster league cup group game. Trinity with six changes from the week before, competed well for most of the game against the joint top club side in the country.

 

For most of the game the new look Trinity pack struggled to win meaningful possession in the set piece. In open play and at the point of contact they stuck to their more experienced rivals impressively. Defensively the students were for the most part excellent and they continuously cut down the Northsider’s runners.

 

The backs showed some nice touches but failed to finish some impressive approach and counter attack play.

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Out side centre Conor Colclough scored the students only try when he stepped in front of a speculative long pass from the ‘Tarf’ out-half and ran in unopposed. With ten minutes to go Trinity looked set for a most unlikely upset as they began to impose their game plan on the home team who looked rattled. But ‘Tarf re- established their lead with two late tries down the slope.

 

With repeat exams finishing up this week in College, Trinity hope to be selecting from a  full Panel next week. But the players who performed on Saturday can be proud of the way they stood up and set the standard for the rest of the season.

 

They have an unusual game next week in Belfield against rivals UCD. It will be the first time the two colleges have played outside the ‘Colours game’ in recent history.

 

The J1 will start their new league campaign next Sunday in College Park Vs Wanderers in the Metro J1 A section 3pm KO. Trinity were promoted last season, so will be looking for a good start.