JORDANSTOWN, the holders, were happy to settle for a draw when they met Trinity College in the first round of the Collingwood Cup at the Farm, Cork, yesterday.
Jordanstown beat Trinity 2-0 in last season's final, but their task was complicated yesterday by the dismissal of their centre half, Kevin Hurley, after 25 minutes.
Driving wind and continuous rain made the conditions very difficult and probably cost Trinity the best chance of the game five minutes into the second half. Barry Fanning beat the offside trap but in side stepping goalkeeper Michael Nice the ball stuck in the mud.
UCD were the biggest winners of the day, but they had to come from behind to overcome Royal College of Surgeons, who took the lead with a Peter Murphy goal after 10 minutes.
Centre forward Joe Grier had UCD level after 35 minutes and he went on to complete his hat trick, as UCD lasted the pace better.
University of Limerick underlined the strength of their challenge with a spirited 2-0 win over a strong Queen's University Belfast side.
This was the most competitive game of the first round matches, with Limerick edging ahead after 10 minutes, with a goal from Farron Morrison. They had to withstand strong pressure before Trevor Levell confirmed their win with a second goal in the final minute.
