Shannon Squad Strengthened for Trip to UCD

When Shannon Travel to the Belfield Bowl on Saturday, they do so with the Knowledge that their opponents, UCD, have already taken their scalp at the venue.

When Shannon Travel to the Belfield Bowl on Saturday, they do so with the Knowledge that their opponents, UCD, have already taken their scalp at the venue and with that in mind there will be no complacency on their part.

Two years ago, a late flurry by the Students lead to a 31 29 victory over a Shannon side that would go onto win the AIL. Shannon s coach Geoff Moylan will certainly not want a repeat of that particular result. It s only the Third time that these two sides have meet, with Shannon putting in a demolition style performance beating UCD by 55 points to 22 when they travelled to Thomond park last season.

With three games gone in the League, Shannon can be very happy with their performances to date and head to Dublin for the first of four visits to the capital with the best points differential, +60, thus far in the league. Along with table toppers Ballymena, they have scored 10 tries, but what Geoff Moylan is most proud of, is the defensive record of his side.

They were taken to the wire by Belfast Harlequins last weekend in Thomond Park, eventually winning by 15 points to 6, but a supreme defensive effort ensured that, although having the lions share of possession; the visitors failed to cross the line. UCD lie in eight place in the table with a win a, a loss and a draw to their credit. Last weekend an upset looked very much on the cards when they lead Cork Constitution by 24 5 at half time, but then proceeded to feel a second half backlash which resulted in a 27-27 draw. AS always the students are expected to be full of running and pose a serious threat in fractured play.

It will be a rather awkward situation for Shannon s President Melvin Mc Namara, as his son Niall will most likely line out in the No. 10 Jersey for UCD. Niall transferred college at the beginning of the season and logic dictates that he played rugby for his new school. Shannon will only be too aware of the threat that the talented outhalf will pose as he was an intricate member of their squad for the previous three season s, winning an AIL medal in 2002.

Shannon were this week boosted this week with news that a number of their provincial players have been made available. The versatile Frank Roche, who has lined out in all three front row positions with Munster returns to his club for the first time this season. Added to Roche, James Blaney and Trevor Hogan become available for the first time while Colm Mc Mahon returns to the squad after playing in Shannon s opening game against Lansdowne.

It poses a serious of selection options for Geoff Moylan, but with his side performing so well so far it s unlikely that he will alter his line up too radically. Roche may well take up the No.1 shirt in place of Gary McNamara, while it would be difficult to envisage, James Blaney usurping Jerry Flannery from the middle of the front Row. Flannery was outstanding last weekend for Shannon and his man of the match accolade was well deserved. Tony Buckley has become a corner stone in the side and it would seem unlikely that this would Change, The second row and back row scenario opens a wealth of options for Shannon, with a couple of players comfortable in either position.

Brian Buckley has been a consistent big game performer and his influence on others around him can never be underestimated. He would be the most likely candidate for one of the lock positions while to try and speculate his partner is akin to picking the winning lottery numbers with several different combinations are available. John Hadnett has played a big part in his side s opening three victories and he would be unlucky if he were to lose out. It would, however seem unlikely that Trevor Hogan will be put straight into action for his club, while Captain Tom Hayes could move form NO.8 into the second row. If that were the case than Colm Mc Mahon would start in the backrow along with John O Connor and Garrett Noonan.

The back line is more a more straightforward selection and it s highly unlikely that changes will be made. Fiach O Loughlin will be the link between backs and forwards, while Andrew Thompson will lineout at outhalf. Thompson, with 893 points, remains the top all-time points scorer in Division one, a remarkable achievement considering he hasn t been Shannon s first choice goal kicker for the last three seasons.

Brian Tuohy has embedded himself well into this Shannon side after a summer transfer from UL/Bohs, while his midfield partner Eoin Cahill deservedly scored his first AIL try last weekend. Tom Cregan’s accuracy with the boot ensures that any indiscretions will be punished by the winger while Full back John Lacey is still one away from his 50th all time AIL try. If he succeeds in breaching the UCD line this weekend he will become the first player to achieve such a milestone. David O Donovan will start on the left wing and he is a player who has barley put a foot wrong all season.

It is a difficult game for Shannon, but they enter into it on the back of three good wins. Confidence is high, and the return of some of the Munster contingent is a further boost. UCD will be anxious to starve Shannon of possession and will counter attack at every opportunity, however Shannon s defence remains their bedrock and by frustrating the students they to have an attacking potency that has the ability to yield tries.

The scales may well be slightly tipped in Shannon s favour, but the certainly won t underestimate UCD. Another win will see them carve out their best opening sequence in the AIL since their four in a row days, but that will be the farthest thing form their minds when they take the field on Saturday.