UCD 20 DLSP 25:UCD's hopes of a place in the top four were dealt a heavy blow by DLSP, who were equally determined to avoid the relegation zone at Belfield on Saturday.

UCD probably knew they hadn't done enough when they crossed over at half-time to face the biting wind with just 13 points in their favour, all scored by outhalf Eoghan Hickey.

And DLSP immediately proved them right when a fine break by outhalf Simon Broughton sent scrumhalf Mark Cross in close to the posts after just 90 seconds.

Four minutes later, the DLSP scored again. Cross switched ruck ball from side to side and a series of linking runs by the three-quarters ended with number five Richard Candlin crashing over.

UCD struck back, however, and the spectators were treated to some fine play from both sides in dreadful conditions.

It was not until the 70th minute that Broughton struck again with a long drop goal that sailed clearly over the posts to give his side the lead for the first time at 13-15.

SCORING SEQUENCE: 8 mins: E Hickey pen 3-0; 13: Hickey pen 6-0; 37: Hickey try and con 13-0; 41: M Cross try, S Broughton con 13-7; 44: R Candlin try 13-12; 60: Broughton dropped goal 13-15; 75: J Critchley try, Broughton con 13-22; 78: D O'Sullivan try, Hickey con 20-22; 82: Broughton drop goal 20-25.

UCD: D O'Sullivan; P Bredin, M Colling, S Moore, P Hickey-Dwyer; E Hickey, R Sparks; M Venter, D Blaney, J Montgomery, P Callanan, N Breslin, N Coughlan, A Carroll, D Dillon. Replacements: R Flynn for Montgomery (31 mins), L Burke for Coughlan (55 mins).

DE LA SALLE: E Devitt; M O'Sullivan, J Critchley, D McCabe, M Vironeau; S Broughton, M Cross; K Ashmore, A Davies, D Masters, P McDonnell, R Candlin, A Toher, S McCarthy, J Deen. Replacements: K Taite for Ashmore (31 mins), E Moore for Taite (40 mins).

Referee: D Napier (Leinster Branch).