Spillane snatches final glory for UCC

WRETCHED conditions for hurling in Newtownshandrum last night but for UCC there was cause to cheer as they collected honours in the Ulster Bank Higher Education Division 1 Hurling League final.

UCC only managed to lead on the scoreboard on one occasion during the game but that came at the most vital juncture. A long ball from defence by Michael Cahill in the 61st minute broke kindly for Ronan Spillane and the Carrignavar man clipped over a priceless score. It vaulted UCC ahead and although UL had one last chance to draw level, Shane O’Brien’s long-range free was knocked wide.

For their overall approach, UCC probably deserved this win. They began hurling into the teeth of a gale but their work ethic was admirable as they scavenged for possession. Full-forward John Mulhall was withdrawn out the field as well, to aid efforts in the middle third. But UL possessed fine operators and although Eoin Murphy got UCC off the mark with an early point, UL piled on the pressure thereafter.