UCC pip Ben O'Connor's new-look Cork side in Canon O'Brien Cup

William Buckley hit the winning score at The Mardyke in what was the first game for the Rebels' new management.

DAY ONE: Cork manager Ben O'Connor talks to his players at half-time of the Canon O'Brien Cup match between UCC and the Rebels at The Mardyke in Cork. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Canon O’Brien Cup: UCC 2-18 Cork 2-17 

William Buckley struck the winning point as UCC regained the Canon O’Brien Cup in an entertaining post-Christmas contest against an experimental Cork side.

The benefit for Ben O’Connor is that many of the Skull and Crossbones’ best performers were also seeking to catch his eye. Ben Cunningham reeled off 1-10, with 1-9 from placed balls and his other point the score of the day.

Paudie O’Sullivan and Limerick panellist Fionn O’Brien each produced two excellent saves to deny Rebel forwards. Ballinora full-back Shane Kingston also impressed, while Finn O’Brien kept the scoreboard ticking over until a late injury.

The victory marked the Students’ fourth success in the 12th iteration of the pre-season challenge, with proceeds at the gate split between worthy causes: Stand for Féile and Rise & Shine.

Two late changes saw Daire O’Leary and Cormac O’Brien introduced for Cork. They proved effective distributors from a defence anchored by debutants in St Finbarr’s full-back Ciarán Doolan and Bride Rovers centre-back Cillian Tobin.

The half-forward line was an all Sarsfields trio, including newcomers Cian Darcy and Colm McCarthy alongside Jack O’Connor. Darcy snapped 1-1 after half-time to cap a lively performance.

There were recalls for Kanturk midfielder Brian O’Sullivan and Watergrasshill pair Seán Desmond. They each contributed two white flags.

Seán O’Donoghue and Declan Dalton were the only All-Ireland final starters to see game time as the new management limited the changes to three across the hour.

UCC were also without a handful of potential starters, including the Tipperary pair of Darragh Stakelum and Peter McGarry, which will give Ray Delaney plenty to ponder ahead of their Fitzgibbon Cup opener against MTU Cork.

Every inch of railing was occupied around all four sides of the Mardyke as the Cork public turned out early for the midday throw-in.

The Rebels got off to the stronger start. O’Leary’s interceptions led to points for Jack Cahalane and O’Brien, while Jack O’Connor slotted another. O’Connor was also denied a goal by Fionn O’Brien’s sharp reflexes.

Darcy was well involved with a couple of assists, including one for Micheál Mullins. He was also fouled for a McCarthy free.

Robert Troy’s early brace kept UCC in touch, with his second fizzing just over the crossbar.

Desmond landed a fine pair in response, while Ethan Twomey added another. Fionn O’Brien stopped a batted Desmond effort, but O’Sullivan’s brace and Cahalane’s second extended their lead to four; 0-12 to 0-8.

Micheál Mullins of Cork signs autographs after the Canon O'Brien Cup match. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

UCC closed the gap with the final three points of the half. Two were Cunningham frees, including one parried over the crossbar by Bríon Saunderson. Finn O’Brien’s juggling skills saw him fire his third point of the half. 0-12 to 0-11 at the break.

Cork were left waiting on the field for UCC to return, but kicked on with 1-1 from Darcy, who ghosted in behind the cover to collect Saunderson’s long puck-outs for both scores.

UCC reeled off an unanswered 2-3 in reply. Buckley opened his account with two points. In between, in the 40th minute, Cunningham bounced past Saunderson from a close-range free.

Paudie O’Sullivan saved from Alan Walsh before Cunningham’s free moved UCC ahead for the first time. In the 46th minute, they leapt four clear. Finn O’Brien drew the foul but played on to feed Peter O’Shea to finish; 2-15 to 1-14.

Cahalane took his tally to 0-4, but Cunningham cancelled that out by intercepting a puck-out, flicking the sliotar over a defender, and pointing off the hurley.

Robert Troy of UCC during the Canon O'Brien Cup match between UCC and Cork at The Mardyke in Cork. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Cork quickly got back level with a Declan Dalton free followed by a brilliant flick for Shane Kingston’s fiercely-struck 59th-minute goal.

Paudie O’Sullivan saved Darcy’s batted effort before Cork hit their final three chances wide. Meanwhile, Buckley nailed his shot from the sideline for the winner.

Scorers for UCC: B Cunningham (1-10, 1-8 frees, 0-1 65); P O’Shea (1-0); Finn O’Brien, W Buckley (0-3 each); R Troy (0-2).

Scorers for Cork: C Darcy (1-1); J Cahalane (0-4, 1 free); S Kingston (1-0); B O’Sullivan, C McCarthy (2 frees), S Desmond, D Dalton (2 frees) (0-2 each); C O’Brien, E Twomey, M Mullins, J O’Connor (0-1 each).

UCC (Cork clubs unless stated): Fionn O’Brien (Bruree, Limerick); S Daly (Randal Óg), S Kingston (Ballinora), E Guinane (Valley Rovers); D Scully (Dromin-Athlacca, Limerick), J Dwyer (Ballincollig), E Downey (Glen Rovers); R Troy (Newtownshandrum), T O’Connell (Ballincollig); B Cunningham (St Finbarr’s), P O’Shea (Erin’s Own), C Walsh (Kanturk); W Buckley (St Finbarr’s), Finn O’Brien (Erin’s Own), R O’Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh).

Subs: P O’Sullivan (Fr O’Neills) for Fionn O’Brien (h-t), D Cremin (Midleton) for R O’Sullivan (h-t), H Boyle (Clara, Kilkenny) for Scully (46), B Lehane (Watergrasshill) for O’Shea (51), J Enright (Inniscarra) for O’Connell (52), O’Shea for Finn O’Brien (56, inj).

CORK: B Saunderson; E Roche, C Doolan, D O’Leary; C O’Brien, C Tobin, E Twomey; M Mullins, B O’Sullivan; C Darcy, C McCarthy, J O’Connor; A Walsh, S Desmond, J Cahalane.

Subs: S O’Donoghue for Twomey (39), D Dalton for Mullins (39), S Kingston for O’Connor (39).

Referee: S Scanlon (Newcestown).