Dublin City University, staging the Mauritius Cup for the first time at their new complex at St Clare's, also recorded a first win in their short hockey history over their more deeply established rivals, Trinity. DCU emerged with a 1-0 victory when the tournament got under way yesterday despite adverse conditions.

Shane Davey, with extra experience in playing for Three Rock Rovers, saved a penalty stroke from Greg Dunne as Trinity threatened to break through in the second half and from a DCU counter thrust, Trevor Parsons lobbed home the winner.

DCU - who later beat RCSI (10) with a goal from Brian Doherty - and the holders, University of Ulster, are set for the semi-finals from Pool A. The Jordanstown students began with a 5-1 defeat of RCSI at Dardistown and finished the day with a 2-1 win over Trinity, two late goals coming from Andy Barbour after Gareth Hinds had scored for the Dubliners in the first half.

In Pool B, Queen's and UCD are favourites to advance, though UCC, having gained an opening 20 win over Limerick, are also in the reckoning.

The long established tournament, now under the wing of the recently formed Irish University Hockey Association, started shortly after 9 o'clock under the direction of Marius Gallagher, who had risen at 6 a.m. Now, there's commitment.