Sunday, April 26, 2009

UCD stun Pegasus in Irish Senior Cup showdown

UCD 4 (Roisin Flinn 2, Holly Jenkinson, Rosie Carrigan) Pegasus 1 (Grace Irwin)
UCD produced the most astonishing performance in recent Irish Senior Cup history as they dominated the competition’s undoubted kingpins, Pegasus, winning 4-1 at Belfield to take their first national title in 58 years.

Struggling to break the top five in Leinster competition, the students were full value for the comprehensive result over the reigning champions who were in search of three-in-a-row. Pre-match they were buoyed by the return of Irish international Lisa Jacob after six-week layoff due to an ankle injury.

She was to prove a key influence, leading a hard-pressing game that upset Pegasus long-ball tactics. Holly Jenkinson proved another key figure, picking off the errant Pegasus passes while Liz McInerney was peerless in midfield.

But while the students have been noted for their defensive solidity – just 12 goals conceded in 17 games – up front, they were inspired with Jacob and Roisin Flinn dovetailing perfectly aided by the rotating Rachel Burke and Rosie Carrigan.

Burke laid on the first goal 16 minutes in with a pullback from the endline to Flinn and within two minutes the lead was doubled, this time from Jenkinson’s corner-strike, creeping home via Sharon Moffett’s pads.

Pegasus pulled one back two minutes after the break as they enjoyed a purple patch, Grace Irwin scrambling home after a mix-up between Grace O’Flanagan and Jenkinson saw the ball squirm free.

And when they won a disputed penalty corner moments later the tide appeared to be turning.

Arlene Boyles shot, though, was well blocked by O’Flanagan and Megan Tennant-Humphreys did well on the rebound. It was Pegs’ last clear opportunity of the day as College raised the intensity.

Flinn squeezed in for 3-1 after Jenkinson’s initial strike had wreaked havoc. And the rout was complete as Carrigan capped the performance with the goal of the game, flipping the ball past Boyles at the top of the circle before smashing past Moffett.

The closing quarter was played out with relative ease, especially when Lynsey Mallon’s frustration led to the sin-bin.

UCD: Grace O’Flanagan, Marie O’Connell, Megan Tennant-Humphreys, Holly Jenkinson, Caitriona McGilp, Lisa Jacob (capt), Elaine O’Neill, Laura Wilson, Orlagh O’Shea, Liz McInerney, Roisin Flinn Subs: Fiona Bradish, Rosie Carrigan, Rachel Burke, Pamela Smithwick, Leigh Pelow, Ciara McNestry, Fyona Flinn

Pegasus: Sharon Moffett, Nadine Brown, Fiona McIlwaine, Jill Orbinson, Claire McMahon, Suzanne Beaney, Arlene Boyles (capt), Alex Speers, Lynsey Mallon, Michelle Harvey, Pamela Magill Subs: Jenny Kyle, Grace Irwin, Hannah Clarke, Julie McKnight, Jessica Perry, Lyn Brown

* For more of Adrian Boehm's pictures from the game, click here. For Rob O'Connor's pics, click here. Sportsfile and Inpho were also there.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to UCD, some achievement.

This emphatic win also shows what a well managed, organised college team is capable of.

Anonymous said...

What a game! What a day! The student played their own brand of good hockey and kept perfect concentration throughout. They brought out their ace game on the right day. Fantastic support too. Should make for good TV viewing tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

UCD put on an amazing display, they were far hungrier and better organised than Pegasus. Every one of their players stepped up to the mark and put in the performance of their lives. Well done and thanks for such an entertaining afternoon!

Anonymous said...

go on the college!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Well done UCD.. delighted for ye!! Can only imagine how much ye'll enjoy your trip to Europe next year!!

Anonymous said...

awesome result, great performance and a great boost for college hockey! congratualtions.

Anonymous said...

fantastic achievement. By far the best team on the day. Well done to all involved!

Anonymous said...

outstanding win ucd.....well deserved!!

Anonymous said...

the manner of the cup run for UCD almost defies belief. Beating IHL semi-finalist Hermes, Loreto (both away) and Pegasus as well as Belfast Harlequins away (onyl Leinster side to win in Ulster) and the Elks was just incredible.

they say you have to beat the best to win titles, they certainly did that - brilliant stuff,

Anonymous said...

Brilliant performance by UCD. They made Pegasus look a very poor side. Superb goals esp Rosie's! Well done all!

Anonymous said...

UCD were a class apart yesterday. Awesome display. Congrats to Lisa and all the girls, they've worked hard for it and deserved it every inch of the way.

Anonymous said...

well done college!! your all absolute legends!!!

Anonymous said...

anyone know the last time the irish senior cup final was won by such a large margian? or the last time pegasus were beaten by that much? unbelievable stuff ladies!!

Anonymous said...

4-1!! unreal!!

Anonymous said...

C-O-L-L-I-D-G-E!!

Stephen Findlater said...

To answer April 27, 2009 9:55 PM's query, Pegasus beat Old Alex 5-0 back in 1998 is the most recent bigger result than 4-1.

As for the second part of the question, I don't have the stats to hand but would suggest quite while.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know why there were no speeches on behalf of the losing teams in either the ISC or IJC??

Anonymous said...

The Pegasus captain made a speech, albeit a somewhat stunned one!

Anonymous said...

best game ever, such goals were scored, such a performance.

wel done C-O-L-L-E-G-E!

Anonymous said...

pegasus captain did not make a speech.