TOUGH DAY!
Lansdowne 51pts – Trinity 7pts.
21st January 2017; Leinster Senior Cup;

Trinity had a rude awakening yesterday in this Leinster Senior Cup Semi Final, on the back pitch of the Aviva Stadium, when they played a strong running and physical Lansdowne.

Trinity actually started the game well and dominated the opening 20 minutes. Crucially they did not come away with any scores as they tended to turn ball over in the Lansdowne 22. The home team came up the pitch and kicked a penalty.

Lansdowne, who are in a good run of form, really cranked it up. Trinity defended the open play well but when they got close-in the home team took advantage of the inexperienced Students. 24-0 at half time.

Trinity kept battling and had some nice passages of play, but too often cougheda up ball against n uncompromising home defence.

There were many positives for the University XV despite the score-line and playing against the well-drilled League leaders who are on an impressive unbeaten run. Trinity scored the last try of the game after being camped in the Lansdowne half for the last 10 minutes.

They have to pick themselves up for the return fixture v. All Ireland Champions Clontarf next week in College Park.

Trinity Senior 2nds had a comprehensive win over St Marys J2 team 48-10. The students played some impressive rugby with backs and forwards combining for some impressive scores.

Trinity U20s Premier XV had their most impressive performance so far this season against a tough Clontarf U20s XV in Castle Avenue. The Students scored some sensational tries with their excellent support play and ball skills to win 50-19.

Trinity U20s Pennant XV also won out V Wanderers 52-7 in Merrion Road, with the game being called up early.

Trinity Senior 3rds had a nail-biter v. Coolmine, winning out within the last minutes 22-17. The 3rds showed great character in their first game back after the Christmas break.

Womens’ XV The final score was 27-0 to Wanderers. DUFC spent much of the game defending, and ultimately the pressure told. However there were promising performances to kick off 2017.