Hockey: Harlequins end UCD’s 20-game unbeaten run in Belfield
It was a result that required plenty of defensive grit, Emma Buckley making a wealth of saves for the Farmer’s Cross side, allowing two moments of top quality decide the contest.
UCD swept to the treble of national titles last season and showed strong early intent when Deirdre Duke scored in the first few minutes. Quins, though, were back on terms via Upton’s powerful low drag-flick to make it 1-1 at the break. She played an integral part in the winner, too, starting off a chain of seven passes that ended up back with her, facing toward goal. She slipped it into the path of Naomi Carroll who slammed home from the top of the circle, unleashing some of the frustration that had seen her miss the international summer through injury.
