UCD equalled a record eight-in-a-row sequence in the series with an 8-4 win in the annual Colours Match at Portmarnock yesterday. But the infusion of four freshmen enhanced the competitiveness of a Dublin University line-up, which actually led with six matches in.

By his own admission, UCD skipper Ed Lynch was deeply concerned when Trinity led by 4-2 with two singles completed.

As it happened, his younger brother, Simon, was a member of the Trinity side and shared in a foursomes win over Brett Desmond and Ronan Flood to leave the teams level 2-2 at lunch. Desmond performed impressively in the afternoon, however, to win his singles against Aidan Neill for the decisive, ninth point.

Trinity's Michael Brett, a Senior Cup player from the host club, came from one down after six to be two up after 10 on the way to victory over Justin Keogh.

Then, another point from Luke Burdess had Trinity thinking that they just might upset the odds. But Paul Roddy, who had swept four holes clear by the turn, averted a possible slide by UCD and when skipper Ed Lynch levelled the scores at 4-4, the holders were on their way.

In the match between Ed and David Lynch, the respective captains, the Belfield student was four up with four two play but three-putted the next two, losing them to pars. He held his nerve to clinch the match on the 17th.