This was another heartbreaker for the students. They lost this dour try-less game in the last minute of an intensely contested match. The dominating factor of the match was the head wind running straight down the field in Shannovale, Clonakilty.

 

Trinity played with the wind first half and never really pressed home the advantage of the strong wind at their backs. Dave Joyce kicked a penalty in the opening minute and he did not kick another penalty until just before half time. Trinity had several opportunities to increase their score with tries but did not manage to do so.

 

6pts up at half time never looked like a good enough lead given the strong wind. Trinity, to their credit, raised their game considerably and dominated possession keeping the ball through numerous phases and long periods of time. Clonakilty did kick two penalties but never really looked in the game.

 

The game moved into the last minutes. Trinity looked the likely team to break the draw as they managed to pressure the home team’s line. They manoeuvred a drop goal opportunity but narrowly missed the target into the head wind. Clonakilty kicked the ball long, and twice got the rub of the green managing to engineer a penalty under the posts which they duly kicked to the delight of their supporters.

 

There were many positives for Trinity who have endured a bad run of close ‘one score’ losses this season. The defence stood up and the team showed an extra physical edge on last week. They now take a well earned week off and next host Greystones in College Park on 14^th November.

Trinity 2^nd XV and Under 20s Premier XV were rained off on Sunday. They both play St Marys RFC next Sunday at 2.30pm. 2nds are away, U20s at home.

 

Trinity U20s Pennant XV had a tight win in Seapoint on Friday night 8-5 and lead their section of the Pennant league after three games. They host Coolmine next Sunday at 12 noon.

Trinity J3s –Won a tough encounter with Royal College Of Surgeons 17-12. They play Naas next Friday evening in Naas 7.30pm.

Trinity J4s – After two convincing wins, lost their first game this season to Unidare 11-18. They play DLSP next Saturday 2.30pm.