It was a late throw-in and almost a late come-back but UCD survived the best that Trinity had to offer to win the colours hurling clash at Belfield yesterday. The quality of scoring was equally impressive and it was just that little extra consistency that allowed UCD to hold on for the one point victory.
Both sides had their share of county representatives and for the most part were well matched yet UCD seemed that bit more motivated, perhaps recalling the defeat of last year. Kevin O'Donovan was evidence of that with his accurate free taking from half-back, while Michael Gordan and James Carroll in the forward line ensured the home side were never too far from a score.
Shane McInerney fired over his first of two points inside the first minute to give Trinity an early headstart. However, Enda Fitzgerald, Gordan and O'Donovan slowly started to build up a UCD lead.
Fitzgerald's second was the most dangerous as it forced Mick Brady in the Trinity goal to direct it over the bar. Daragh Burke and Shane O'Brien both found the space to add well-taken points for Trinity which meant they were just the one point down, 5-4, going into break.
Trinty then had the perfect start to the second half when they were awarded a penalty after a foul on Burke. Although it was badly taken by the corner-forward himself, and easily blocked by Padraic Dempsey in goal, Shane McInerney was on hand to tap in the rebound.
Unfortunately for them, it didn't last long as Carroll had the ball in the opposite net just a minute later when he picked up on a long free from O'Donovan and shot low past Brady.
That was when UCD's determination really showed as first a Pat Fitzgerald free and then two in succession from O'Donovan had them back in front 1-8 to 1-4. They made a few changes as well to keep Trinity at bay, bringing on the big Dan McCarthy at midfield and Niall O'Regan for the tiring Carroll.
Daithi de Paor of Dublin claimed his first to help Trinity stay within striking distance but at that stage they seemed to be running out of ideas as well as time.
A fourth free from O'Donovan with just minutes remaining looked to have demoralised the visitors but they had one last effort in the final minute. Dave McInerney shot in a long ball towards the UCD goal where Michael Geaney pressurised Dempsey to let it slip past into the net.
UCD: P Dempsey, G Mernagh, T O'Donaghue, J Rouse, M Bergin, D Hegarty, K O'Donovan (0-4), A de Paor, J Kelleher, P Fitzgerald (0-1), R Moore, P Darcy, M Gordan (0-2), E Fitzgerald (0-2), J Carroll (1-0). Subs: D McCarthy for Kelleher (40 mins), N O'Regan for Carroll (54 mins).
TRINITY: M Brady, B Bohannan, D Berry, J McCormack, P Cashman, U McGuckin, P Cody, A Kerins, J Allen, D de Paor (0-1), S McInerney (1-2), S O'Brien (0-1), D Burke (0- 1), M Geaney D McInerney (1-0). Subs: F Landy for Burke (50 mins).
Referee. A MacSuibhne (Wexford).
