Queen’s Pirates defeated King’s Scholars 28 – 19 in a Varsity match at the Dub, Upper Malone on Wednesday evening.

Report and images by Bob Given Photography.

The game featured enlarged squads from QUBRFC III’s “The Pirates” and Stranmillis College.

Queen’s took the game to Scholars from kick off and a forward drive saw Pierce McLernon dive under the posts for a try, converted by Tom Martin, after 3 minutes.

The Pirates consolidated their position with tries by Florent Multon after 14 minutes and Niall Bermingham after 22 minutes, both converted by Martin. The 21 – 0 score line didn’t reflect play, but rather Queens ability to score on the break.

Scholars got back into the game after 30 minutes when Jack Wilson scored close to the posts, converted by Daniel Curley, leaving the Pirates 21 – 7 ahead at half time.

A raft of substitutions resulted in more broken play after the break. This seemed to suit Scholars, who scored an unconverted try, through Tony O’Hagan, on 55 minutes.

Play fluctuated between the ‘22s’ until a third Scholars try, this one from Curley, following a fine break from the half way line, after 75 minutes. Curley converted his own try, to leave the game finally balanced at 21 – 19, in Queens favour.

Scholars failed to secure the subsequent kick off and Queen’s drove forward with McLernon claiming the decisive score, converted by Martin, after 76 minutes.

Scholars continued to press but to no avail. Queen’s ran out worthy victors, 28 – 19, in a very entertaining game.

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