UCD 26
BALLYNAHINCH 32
TWENTY-TWO points from the boot of out half Ritchie Lobb proved crucial at Belfield, as Ballynahinch held off a strong second-half fightback from UCD to secure a massive victory.
Two penalties from Lobb, as well as a converted try by second-row John Madden, helped Ballynahinch to a 13-0 cushion with just 15 minutes gone.
UCD fought back through Niall Thornton, but Lobb gave ‘Hinch a commanding 19-6 interval advantage.
Full-back David McIlwaine put Ballynahinch further ahead, but the Students forced their way back into the reckoning when a five-pointer by Andy Boyle was quickly followed by a Thornton place-kick.
Two more Lobb kicks helped to ease the pressure on the visitors. UCD finished strongly with tries from Kieran Moloney and Donagh Lawler, but Ballynahinch held on.