Grange Road was the scene as UCD won the Walters Cup this year for the second year in a row last Thursday with a convincing 5-0 win over Naas.
UCD began the match strongly and had Naas on the back foot from the starting whistle, with the first goal coming 5 minutes in from David Meade who managed slip it by the Naas goalkeeper's near post from just a few metres out.
The second came from a penalty stroke 15 minutes in after veteran Conor Doyle was taken out by the goalie in mid swing, with UCD's regular penalty taker Stephen Tennant Humphreys away on musical commitments in England, the stroke was coolie put bottom left by John McDonnell. The final goal of the half came from a well executed short corner with Scott Baxter deflecting a Mark McNulty sweep from one post to the other.
UCD's defence was as strong as their attack in the first half, with Ivan Wahlrub and Mark Murran dominating, resulting in no saves being needed from UCD captain Garry O'Donohoe in goals The second half began like the first with UCD immediately putting the pressure back on Naas with midfielder John McDonnell (pictured shooting) running the show, however Naas began the second half more composed and their defence stronger, it was not until the 20th minute of the half that the fourth goal was scored, an excellent deflection by Ridhwan Noordin which flew past the Naas goalies shoulder and into the back of the net.
The final goal came from Meath man Max Potterton, who had his original shot from an end line pass stopped a great diving save by the Naas goalie, but when the ball dropped back to him he showed his cool by taking it back a foot and flicking over the lying keeper. Naas held on to the ball better in this half with them putting more pressure on the UCD defence, however they were only able penetrate the defence once and the shot was dealt with by O'Donohoe. The game calls a great end to a previously anti-climatic season for UCD 3rd's, who look like finishing 3rd in Division 7 after a strong start to the season and was a perfect end to the UCD career of veteran Conor Doyle (pictured with the cup) who calls it a day after 6 year career with College.
