Wednesday the 4th of February saw the first game in the DCU hurlers campaign to retain their Ryan Cup title. NCI (National College of Ireland) were the visitors to the St Claire’s grounds and though DCU had been installed as firm favourites, few knew what to expect from the largely unknown visiting side.

Ten minutes into the game though and the writing was on the wall as DCU raced to an eight point lead with points from Vinny Kelly, Paddy McAvinue, Ciaran Regan and a goal from David Kelly. NCI seemed unfazed and responded with a fine point immediately after Kelly’s goal. Sadly for NCI this was to be their only score on a day where DCU’s hunger and skill was far superior.

The NCI revival was dashed by more scores from both McAvinue and Regan before Connor O’Loughlin went on a five minute scoring spree that put the game beyond doubt with 35 minutes still left to play. O’Loughlan’s first score came in the 21st minute and was followed by two spectacular goals and points all from play.

At half time the reigning champions led by an incredible 3-9 and with a defence that had conceded only one free it was difficult to see where an NCI comeback might come from.

The 2nd half saw the introduction of five subs and a completely new half forward line. Even with all these changes DCU remained focused on the job in hand and kept the foot firmly on the pedal. The first score of the half came again from Vinny Kelly who at this stage was flying in an unstoppable full forward line. At full forward David Kelly was firing on all cylinders notching up an unmerciful 3-8 from play leaving him top scorer in the competition so far.

Before the end substitutes Aidan Darcy, Donal Doyle and Connor Bracken were all on the score sheet along with outstanding half back Niall O’Ceallachain who put over two points of his own.

To NCI’s credit they did battle right until the death and they may take some heart from the fact that they never dropped the heads. For DCU this victory means a mouth-watering clash with last year’s runners up and local rivals St Patricks College, a game that will inevitably invoke strong memories of last years final.

For anyone interested in going along to what is bound to be an intense clash the game is due to take place on Wednesday the 19th in St Claire’s at 2pm. For more information log on to www.redbrick.dcu.ie/~hurling/fixtures.

DCU: Cillian Breathnach, Paul Leonard, Fiachra Burns, Breandan Franks, Niall O’Ceallachain (0-2), Damien Maher (David Lennon 45mins) , Oisin Breathnach, Colm Hennebry, Paddy McAvinue (0-3), Connor O’Loughlin (2-4) (Connor Bracken30mins (0-1)), Ciaran Regan (0-2) (Aidan Darcy30mins (0-1)), Brian O’Donnell (Donal Doyle 30mins (0-1)), Vinny Kelly (1-4), David Kelly (3-8), Ronan Screeny (Paddy Mone 45mins)