Two-Try Bruff Victorious In Limerick Derby
Dominance in the forward exchanges by their bigger and heavier pack paved the way for an important win by Bruff in Division 1B on Friday night.
In constant rain at Thomond Park, the relegation-threatened county side had a dream start when they went in front inside a few minutes thanks to a Brian Cahill penalty.
Ed Torrie levelled matters for UL Bohemians and then he pounced for a try. He charged down an attempted clearance from a hesitant Cahill, picked up and went over by the posts.
The talented out-half converted to make it 13-3 and it looked like UL's recent winning form was going to continue in this lively Limerick derby.
But seven minutes before the interval, Bruff lock Alan Bourke notched a try following a close-in scrum which Cahill converted to leave it 10-10 at the interval.
It was a mainly forwards-dominated contest and in this department Bruff held the upper hand with John Shine and Cathal O'Regan coming to the fore.
Another Cahill penalty nudged them back in front, following a high tackle from UL flanker Conor Kindregan.
Despite Torrie being on target with two penalties for Bohs, it was a converted try from full-back Brendan Deady that sealed a valuable victory for Bruff.
Deady was put through after Bruff put pressure on at scrum time and used quick ball to set their backs in motion.
Home side Bohs could not respond with a try in the closing stages and had to settle for a losing bonus point. Bruff are now up to seventh in the table, 10 points adrift of fifth-placed UL.
Referee: Jonathan Peak (IRFU)