A night of spirited and at times stirring rugby ended with UCD comfortably winning the annual Colours challenge against an ultimately disappointing Trinity College. It was UCD's fifth successive victory over their old rivals, and the result was never in doubt beyond the opening quarter of an hour.
With both sides strongly supported by students and alumni, the atmosphere at Donnybrook was typically feverish. But with UCD leading 19-3 at half-time, most of the excitement had filtered out before the end.
The opening 10 minutes was Trinity's best period. Simon Mitchell kicked them three points clear and for a while their pack seemed to be on a par with UCD. Once Shane Moore equalised, however, it was obvious that UCD were the more productive unit.
It came as no great surprise when Paddy Hickey-Dwyer stole over for the first try just before the half-hour mark. Moore added penalties either side so that UCD quickly jumped into an 11-point lead.
The last 10 minutes of the half were played almost exclusively inside the Trinity 22. Just before the whistle, Moore broke loose and passed to Desmond Dillon, who laid on the ball for full back Dermot O'Sullivan.
The crowd remained in good voice in the second half, while the rounds of egg-war continued on the far terrace with each break in play. Trinity showed no reserve in seeking the score they needed, led for the most part by number eight Dominic St George and captain Colm Curneen.
At one point, Kieran Lewis took off like Maurice Greene but he didn't get the required support. They maintained that pressure for some 10 minutes but UCD were soon back in control. Dillon and James Norton executed a telling break and Norton took the ball to the line on 63 minutes, allowing Peter Callanan to touch down.
UCD: D O'Sullivan; J Norton, M Colling, P Hickey-Dwyer, P Bredin; S Moore (capt), B O'Riordan; M Moynagh, D Blaney, R McCormack, N Breslin, P Callanan, P Shanley, N Coughlan, D Dillon. Replacements: T Carter for Shanley (52 mins); R Staunton for Bredin (55 mins); A O'Brien for Blaney (74 mins).
TCD: G Governey; M Olima, K Lewis, R Wallace, A Subherwal; S Mitchell, C Curneen (capt); P Laffin, B Urquhart, S Brophy, A Maher, P Lennon, P Raftery, R Woods, D St George. Replacements: D Crotty for Mitchell (44 mins); R Aiono for Governey (51 mins); K Murphy for Maher (59 mins); G Ryan for Urquhart (65 mins); M McCluggage for St George; J Johnston for Subherwal (both 80 mins).
Referee: A Rolland (ARLB).
