ILL 2015 (Mens) Gameday #3 Report

UCD up to second after comprehensive victory over Galway

ILL 2015 (Mens) Gameday #3 Report
by Martin Scanlon, IL Clubs Committee Chairperson

A composed performance by a relatively inexperienced UCD side saw them record a facile win and four points in a surprisingly one-sided encounter against Galway. The tribesmen, with the momentum of a big win in the previous gameday, were expected to run the college side close but never really recovered after falling behind early in the game.

The scoring was opened by Josh Appel after only a few minutes. The Canadian’s ability to possess the ball and open up opportunities for others would later be a prominent feature of the game. However, it was his fellow attackman, Ciaran Boylan, who would dominate the scoring in the first half. He notched three in the first quarter alone with Galway’s sole response by Ryan Doran coming on a breakaway.

In the second quarter, the Galway side slowly came more into the game. Although they only managed a single goal by Chris Clarkson, they were unlucky after two efforts rebounded off the post and other efforts were sent wide. Boylan continued his hot streak with a further a goal, leaving the score at 5-2 at half-time.

However, the host’s defensive shape seemed to evaporate in the second half, while their offensive play was almost non-existent. The physical play of the UCD defence and in particular, Lochlann McDonnell, certainly contributed to their opponent’s lack of impact on the offensive end. UCD had long periods of possession, which eventually resulted in an avalanche of goals. At the heart of everything UCD did was Sean O’Shaughnessy, who got four goals to add to his two assists in the first half. His leadership and combination play with Appel ensured that Galway’s opportunities were limited to the bare minimum. Cian Rushe added two goals to his tally for the season, while Mats Løberd got his goal in Irish lacrosse with an unconventional backhand effort.

Final score: UCD 13 – Galway 2

Match stats:

UCD: Ciaran Boylan (5 G, 2 A), Sean O’Shaughnessy (4 G, 2 A), Cian Rushe (2 G), Josh Appel (1 G), Mats Løberd (1 G)

Galway: Ryan Doran (1 G), Chris Clarkson (1 G)

 

ILL Men’s Standings

Teams P W D L Bonus Points Total Points
Dublin Bay Prawns 3 3 0 0 0 12
UCD 2 1 0 1 1 5
NUI Galway 3 1 0 2 1 5
Dublin Avengers 2 1 0 1 0 1*
QUB 2 0 0 2 0 0

*Deducted three points

Individual player stats can be found here: http://goo.gl/rmS4eu.

The next round of matches takes place in Dublin on the 7th March where Queens face University College Dublin and the Dublin Avengers return to face Galway.

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