UCS 0-9 St Mary's Belfast 0-8Fitness and fighting qualities were both required as UCD staged a brave fight-back to score an extra-time victory over St Mary's College, Belfast at Belfield yesterday.

In a dour game marked by missed chances on both sides, UCD had appeared to be exiting the title race when they trailed a well drilled and industrious St Mary's outfit by three points, 0-7 to 0-4, with just six minutes left.

However, the Belfield students managed to get back on track and a point from James Brogan lifted their spirits noticeably. Two minutes later Cathal O'Dwyer had them right back as he left the minimum between the sides with a fine score.

But then it looked as if UCD had lost it for sure when substitute Peter McNulty fired wide from close range. But they managed to win yet more possession and the talented O'Dwyer moved across the front of the Mary's defence to win the ball and drive it between the posts for the equaliser.

Extra-time was always going to be hard fought between two extremely committed teams although St Mary's would have been less than happy after losing a healthy looking three-point lead as well as kicking nine first- half wides, in particular an effort from Jason Brown.

UCD were back in front within a minute of the first extra-time period, thanks to a fine effort from centre forward Shane Lennon of Louth, but right on the 10th minute, McGourty showed what a fine player he is with the equaliser.

Once more UCD were fastest out of the blocks in the second period, with Lennon, who had always been so threatening, putting them back in front with a well drilled effort.

Their defence then showed commendable discipline and tenacity in holding out St Mary's during a hectic final few minutes as Paddy Nevin, John McCarthy and Bryan Meredith showed their qualities.

UCD: S Gallagher; E Ward, P Navin, J McCarthy; C McGill, B Meredith, P McConway; K Doherty, C O'Sullivan; P Rath, S Lennon (0-3, one free), J Brogan (0-1); C Judge, M Davoran, C O'Dwyer (0-4, one free). Subs: P McNulty (0-1) for Judge; T Brady for Rath; J O'Loughlin for Brogan; P Kelly for O'Sullivan; Judge for O'Dwyer; R Kinsella for McGill; B Quill for Kinsella; B Mullin for Davoran.

ST MARY'S, BELFAST: M O'Kane; G Smith, M Digney, S O'Neill; M McIvor, J McMahon (0-1), M Murray; J Kelly, J Lavery; R Hamill, C McGourty (0-6, four frees), G O'Neill; J Brown, P Keenan, R Keenan. Subs: N McSharry (0-1) for O'Neill; T Hackett for McIvor; R Dolan for Digney; J McCormack for Brown.

Referee: P Finnegan (Louth).