Dublin University Football Club (DUFC) have earned promotion to AIL Division 1B following a dramatic 18-16 win over Cashel RFC in the playoff final at College Park on Sunday 28 April. The victory marks a thrilling conclusion to a campaign defined by resilience, big-match performances and last-minute heroics.
Image credit: Rory O'Sullivan Sexton.
DUFC entered this Division 1B Playoff final after dramatic late wins over Nenagh Ormond and Greystones in College Park, having shown an uncanny ability to win the clutch moments despite mixed league form. In fact, it was only a miraculous last-minute bonus-point win by Highfield in Naas that denied them automatic AIL 1B status for next season.
It seemed almost impossible that this clash with Cashel RFC on their first-ever visit to College Park could deliver even more drama.
Trinity started brightly in dry, sunny conditions before another packed College Park crowd. They dominated much of the first half, going ahead through a well-taken penalty by Matthew Lynch, but failed to cross the whitewash despite creating several opportunities. Cashel responded with a penalty of their own from Ben Twomey and began to look dangerous late in the half, showing good offloading and interplay through the middle. At half time, honours were even at three points apiece. The second half was always destined to be intense and nervy, with everything in the balance.
Image credit: Rory O'Sullivan Sexton.
Cashel started strongly, with No. 8 Joe Callery proving hard to stop, and after a strong break by centre Alan Flannery, scrum-half Josh Pickering crossed for a well-taken converted try. A further penalty by Twomey on 54 minutes heaped more pressure on the students.
Yet again, Trinity found their magic. A brilliant launch play from a scrum deep in their own 22, featuring a superb chip and chase by left wing James O'Sullivan, was recovered close to the line by Hugo Lynch, who’s drag-back pass got the move started. An offload to Conall Henchy almost put him over. The pressure told as Cashel saw yellow for a cynical ruck infringement, and hooker Zach Baird eventually finished off the attack with a fine finish in the corner. Lynch’s well-struck conversion attempt drifted just wide on the breeze.
Cashel replied with a long-range penalty to extend their narrow lead, but Trinity’s bench, expertly deployed by Tony Smeeth, shifted the momentum once again. With the clock running out, a dramatic quick tap by Matthew Lynch resulted in a converted try, sending College Park into raptures.
Trailing 15 to 16 with seconds remaining might have daunted any other team but not this Trinity side. After a few tense minutes of nip-and-tuck following the restart, Trinity rallied with superb high-tempo rugby against a tiring Cashel side. A critical turnover near the Trinity 22, ripped free in the tackle, sparked a series of blistering phases with carries by Noah Byrne, Stephen Woods, Paddy McCarthy, Dylan Ryan, Matthew Lynch, and finally Hugo Lynch. Inevitably, Cashel infringed again.
With a ruck penalty awarded out on the right, five metres outside the Cashel 22, the stage was set. Up stepped the imperious Matthew Lynch to calmly stroke the ball straight through the middle, drawing it into the breeze. Cue delirium in the Trinity "Bear Pit" and wild celebrations from players and coaches alike.
Image credit: Rory O'Sullivan Sexton.
Throughout a rollercoaster season, one that saw them retain (and later lose) the Dudley Cup, dominate a phenomenal Colours match against all odds, only for it to slip away, this DUFC vintage never did boring.
Speaking after the match, DUFC Club Captain Louis McDonough reflected on the occasion: “Cashel travelled in huge numbers, filling College Park, and showed their quality throughout. It was a highly physical and demanding match that had everything. I am incredibly proud of the group for the composure and resilience we showed under pressure. With time up, we held onto possession and worked our way up the pitch, and when the penalty came, Matty stepped up to slot the winning kick. It was a fantastic team effort and a finish that will not be forgotten.”
Images: Rory O'Sullivan Sexton
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