Bohemians Kick Their Way Past Buccs
Aidan McNulty kicked two penalties to edge UL Bohemians past Buccaneers in a poor encounter at Dubarry Park on Saturday afternoon.
AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION ONE: Saturday, October 18
BUCCANEERS 8 UL BOHEMIANS 9, Dubarry Park
Scorers: Buccaneers: Try: Alex Hayman; Pen: Alan Gaughan
UL Bohemians: Pens: Fergal Lawler, Aidan McNulty 2
The 20-year-old Aidan McNulty took over the kicking duties after Fergal Lawlor was replaced and the switch proved an inspired one as the youngster kicked the decisive points for Bohs.
Buccs hit the front in the 28th minute when they tapped a free-kick. Alan Gaughan jinked forward before putting his centre partner Alex Hayman over for an unconverted try.
Lawlor, the Bohs number 10, missed two penalties as the Pirates remained 5-0 ahead for the break.
With both teams boasting pacy back-lines and a style of play that would lend to an open game, it was disappointing to see a lack of creativity and vision at both ends of the pitch.
Gaughan landed a penalty, early in the second half, to nudge the hosts 8-0 ahead.
But the pedestrian play continued as neither the intensity or the tempo was increased. Poor decisions and basic errors were made as time ticked on.
However, a successful Lawlor penalty and two more kicks from the nerveless McNulty, after Buccs flanker Kolo Kiripati was sin-binned, saw Bohs take the verdict.
Penalised for taking a player out in the lineout, Kiripati was yellow carded at a crucial stage.
UL took full advantage to hit the front for the first time and they clung on at the death to move up to sixth in the Division One table.