Bruff 15 UCC 13

The Bruff Seniors recorded their first league points when they came away from the Mardyke with their first ever win in Division 1b on Saturday last. On a windy day in cork, Bruff were first off the mark courtesy of Brian Cahill’s boot from just inside the UCC half on the stroke of ten minutes. He slotted number two on 29 minutes to put a little daylight but despite the benefit of the wind and much of the territory, Bruff couldn’t get over the line. Two try attempts by Peter Malone being deemed to be held up.

The second half produced a much changed UCC side out off the mark, fifty seconds in UCC captain crossed the line to claw back five points, Andrew Burke missing the conversion. Five minutes later they were in the lead with winger Brian Derham taking up the chase to cross.  Suddenly the game had been changed and we were fighting for our lives in defence.

Gradually Bruff’s famed defence took charge again however and their fitness came to the fore. Time and time again Bruff ground their way into the UCC twenty-two and UCC’s only defence being to hand over penalties at the breakdown. Brian Cahill’s third penalty brought it back to a dingle point but the students fought back and a nice long range kick from Burke put them 4 points clear again. With about eighteen minutes left on the clock.

Bruff took charge at this point again as they often do in the closing quarter. The pack produced some good line-breaks and charges in mid-field. The students got pinged and Brian Cahill slotted his fourth on 70 minutes. Four minutes later he had his first opportunity to regain the lead but was unsuccessful for the first time on the day. Two minutes later however he slotted number five and Bruff ground out the remainder before the final whistle brought  a resounding cheer from the large travelling Bruff support.

Scorers — Bruff: B Cahill 5 pens, UCC: J Ryan, B Derham try each, A Burke pen.