Nolan sets the tone for UCD

Fitzgibbon Cup Group games UCD  3-18 UUJ  0-10A magnificent performance from Kilkenny-born Maurice Nolan helped UCD to an impressive victory over the University of Ulster in the Fitzgibbon Cup group game at Belfield yesterday.

Nolan accumulated a 1-10 tally with a skilful combination of scores from play and frees as well as finishing to the corner of the net for a goal from a very difficult angle. He was also very involved in other facets of a competitive encounter in which UUJ started brightly by opening up a four-point lead (0-5 to 0-1) after just 10 minutes.

This promising start was inspired by great long-range points from frees by centre back Kieran Courtney and from play by midfielder Neil McManus who was subsequently booked and lucky enough to stay on the pitch for a subsequent indiscretion.

UUJ moved well in those opening stages, with Aaron Graffin impressive at full back but they were rocked by a goal for UCD from Cian McBride. That ignited the hosts and good points from Ross O'Carroll and Nolan helped them into a 1-8 to 0-8 interval lead.

UCD introduced Eoin Power at midfield and together with PJ Nolan they took control. A long centre from the latter saw Niall Curran flick home their second goal.

UUJ managed only two points in the second half, a fourth from Courtney and a second from Cathal Gunning, while Nolan relentlessly added to his total to complete a classy personal performance.

UCD: P Carroll; P Ormond, T Brady, B Travers; N Prendergast, S Nolan (0-1, free), D Fitzgerald (0-1); PJ Nolan (0-1), J Walsh; C McBride (1-0), R O'Carroll (0-3), B Murphy; M Nolan (1-10, 0-8 frees), T Fitzgerald (0-1), N Curran (1-0). Subs: E Power (0-1) for Walsh, L Ryan for McBride, D Langton for Murphy, M McGarry for O'Carroll, D Lyng for Ormond.

UUJ: F Neeson; T Hughes, A Graffin, M Devlin; R McCloskey, K Courtney (0-4, frees), M Ennis; N McManus (0-3), B Ennis; P McGill (0-1, free), O McCloskey, P Maguire; C Gunning (0-2), E McGuinness, P Henry. Subs: A McMorrow for McGill, S Staunton for Gunning.

Referee: E Morris (Dublin).