1st's vs Corinthians

South African International Darren Kimfley starred as Corinthian reasserted their point lead at the top of division one as they were victorious over UCD in a bloody encounter at Whitechurch Park. All the goals came in the first half as the reds built up a goal advantage before John McInroy netted a penalty stroke awarded after the ball hit compatriot Andrew Cronje on the body.

But Corinthian struck another 3 times before half-time and despite contant pressure held the students at bay in the second half. Kimfley bagged a hat-trick with his third being the pick of the bunch, taking the ball from halfway, beating three men and smashing home a forehand shot. UCD's injury room will be a busy place, too, with captain Tim Hill playing on after breaking a tackling former TCD man Barry Glavey, James McGann received stitches above his eye and chin and Ronan Flannery also received a cut in his mouth. Ronan Motyer, however, soldiered on after taking a ball to the head.

UCD's next outing will be Colours against Trinity in Three Rock Rovers on Tuesday the 16th of Febuary. They will play the rest the season without midfielder Karl Smith who leaves for on exchange to the University of Brisbane on Tuesday.

New Rules

For those who may be unsure about the new rules being implemented, you can click on this link which will explain the Self Pass rule. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j63hYOlJBDE

UCD Summer Hockey

Summer hockey has now started in UCD, every Thursday evening at 6:30 on the waterbase pitch. All are welcome, whether your looking to take up the sport or if you just want to keep your skills sharp. It is completely free and a great chance to meets current players, and get a feel for the club, if you are looking to enter UCD.

New Recruits

We are delighted to welcome John McInroy and Tim Hill to UCD for the coming season.

McInroy joins as player-coach for the 2009/10 season, making the switch after a successful season with Corinthian, winning the Mills Cup and obtaining an IHL place.

McInroy’s move comes as the men’s club look to emulate the achievements of the UCD women’s setup with UCD Director of Sport Brian Mullins saying of McInroy’s appointment: “We are delighted John has come on board. He brings with him first hand experience of University hockey transformation following his involvement with University of Cape Town and their rise to the South African national club championship in 2003.



Joining McInroy is Leinster u21 front man Tim Hill who has confirmed he will play for the college next season after a 2 year spell with Three Rock Rovers. Tim was part of a Rovers side which won the Irish club championships and reached the EHL KO16 last season so he brings valuable experience in a move that shows the growing ambition of the college.

UCD survive playoff

UCD 4 (Robbie McFarlane 2, Tadhg Walsh-Peelo) Bray 2 (Stephen Jones, Simon Cox)

UCD retained their division one status thanks to a 4-2 win over Bray in the promotion/relegation playoff on Saturday afternoon at Serpentine Avenue.

Bray scored first and last but in the end the superior fitness of the students began to tell in the second half as they seemed to come up against a physically spent force.

Stephen Jones broke the deadlock with a tap in at the back post as the Garden County side were rewarded for their high tempo opening to the game.

Robbie McFarlane drew the sides level by half-time, though, rebounding from his own shot to hit a high reverse past Greg Keeley.

And former Bray man Tadhg Walsh-Peelo (pictured) did the major damage after the break, scoring two reverses in quick succession to all but end his former club's promotion hopes.

Robbie McFarlane added the fourth - UCD's third goal in ten minutes - before Simon Cox tapped in late on for a consolation goal.

UCD storm to Colours victory!

For the second year running, UCD easily claimed the annual Colours title. They won by a comprehensive 6-2 margin - this year's title being settled with only eight ties counting toward the end tally.

At a snow-swept Belfield, the overall title was already decided after the second series of games with UCD 5-1 ahead in games won. The ladies' 1sts triumph over their Trinity counterparts pushed them over the winning post with a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Holly Jenkinson(pictured) and Orla O'Shea's first half goals put them in a comfortable position and, from there, Mary Logue's side battened down the hatches to deny Trinity any route back into the game, scarcely giving up a chance.

It meant the men's 1sts was a dead rubber. UCD won it, too, former Three Rock players Robbie McFarlane and Luke McSharry putting them 2-0 up before Andy Grey pulled one back in the second half for the greens.

Results:

Men's: 1sts: UCD 2 Trinity 1; 2nds: UCD 2 Trinity 0; 3rds: UCD 0 Trinity 3

Women's: 1sts: UCD 2 Trinity 0; 2nds: UCD 1 Trinity 3; 3rds: UCD 2 Trinity 1; 4ths: UCD 2 Trinity 1; 5ths: UCD 3 Trinity 0