UCD overcome resilient Queens

UCD 1-10, QUB 1-7

Facing into the strong wind, which they had taken little advantage of in the first half, UCD showed strength and character in quickly responding with three points from play. Ultimately it was what ensured that they would be semi-finalists.

The Dublin students had the greater amount of possession, except that they didn't make the most of it at periods when they were best equipped to do so. Conversely, Queens paid the penalty for failing to capitalise on two first-half goal-scoring opportunities in which Armagh star Paddy McKeever was the central figure.

While UCD began promisingly after a point from Ray Ranaghan in the first minute, they were to struggle over the opening quarter to finish a series of promising moves. In contrast, a Queens team coached by former Down star James McCartan, were more economical with the small number of scoring openings they created.

It meant they were in front 0-2 to 0-1 after 14 minutes and only fell behind in the 22nd minute.

McKeever should have goaled in the 16th minute when he kicked narrowly wide under pressure. Four minutes later Queens were again out of luck when McKeever's attempted pass to the unmarked Conal Dunne at the edge of the goalmouth was intercepted by Donal O'Donoghue. Up to then, some of UCD's best play had come from their defence, with Brendan Ó hAnnaidh emerging starring at left-half and the full-back trio very dependable.

However, stronger play from the midfield partnership of Darren Magee and David O'Connor inspired them in the last 10 minutes of the half. Likewise, a more involved Alan Brogan was prominent in attack.

Ironically, after kicking the lead score in the 22nd minute, Wexford hurler O'Connor was forced off with a hamstring injury. Peter Lawless, from a free, and wing-back Stephen Lucey added good points before corner-back Paul Griffin got at the end of a good move to goal just before the break. It saw UCD turn over 1-5 to 0-2 in front.

On the resumption they were still wasteful before Queens launched a recovery with two points within nine minutes before they were boosted by a Kevin McGourty goal a minute later.

In another eight minutes they were level but were unable to maintain their offensive. Once UCD opened up their three-point lead it was clear only a goal would put their victory in doubt. Despite the best efforts of McKeever and midfielder Declan Clerkin, it didn't materialise.

Scorers: UCD P. Griffin 1-0; A. Brogan 0-3 (0-1 free); J. Hanley 0-2; R. Ranaghan, D. O'Connor, S. Lucey, P. Lawless (free) and D. Magee 0-1 each.

Queens: K. McGourty 1-0; K. Oakes 0-2; B.J. Padden, D. Clarkin, C. Dunne, K. O'Reilly (free) and P. McKeever 0-1 each.

UCD: G. McGill; D. O'Donoghue, C. Evans, P. Griffin; S. Lucey D. Dorgan, B. O hAnnaidh; D. Magee, D. O'Connor; J. Hanley, C. Murphy, L. O hEineachain; A. Brogan, R. Ranaghan, P. Lawless. Subs: P. Curran for O'Connor (injured, 26th minute); J. Sheridan for Lawless (48th).

QUB: W. McSorley; K. McElvanna, M. Gill, C. Rafferty; J. Clarke, E. Devine, S. Kelly; D. Clarkin, M. McGrath; P. McKeever, B.J. Padden, C. Dunne; K. Oakes, K. McGourty, K. O'Reilly. Sub: C. O'Neill for Oakes (50th minute).

Referee: M. Walsh (Limerick).