| End of an era for British University
championships BY YVONNE MORLEY
 Another
successful British Universities’ tournament took place recently
in the West Midlands when over 30 colleges from all over Britain and one
from Brittany, France, participated in three competitions. Besides Pairc
na hEireann, the prelimianry rounds took place at Rugby, Coventry and
also Erdington.
Division One
Fifteen teams were in this year’s elite grade. St. Mary’s
Strawberry Hill, as four-time defending champions looked strong contenders,
but the Liverpool teams, Hope and John Moores, looked to have strong chances
also. Not to be overlooked were the quality teams from Scotland, including
the Scottish Champions, Napier, and runners-up, Robert Gordons. In the
preliminary rounds the four leading teams topped the groups.
The quarter-finals saw St. Mary’s take on Robert Gordons, with the
winners facing the victors of the Liverpool Hope v Edinburgh tie. On the
other side of the draw, John Moores battled with Dundee, and then faced
the winners of Napier v Newcastle. Most quarter-finals went down to the
wire.
The biggest upset came when Robert Gordons did what no team had been able
to do in four years, when defeating St. Mary’s, by one point, 0-5
to 0-4.
Following the shock exit of St. Mary’s, Liverpool Hope dispensed
with Edinburgh in fine fashion. John Moores were facing a stiff test from
Dundee, but defeated them by two goals. In the second quarter-final, the
other Scottish team, Napier, defeated Newcastle.
The semi-finals saw Robert Gordons taking on a committed Liverpool Hope
team. The fresher team from Hope eased into the final 1-6 to 0-2.
In the second semi-final, John Moores had a much tougher battle with Scottish
champs, Napier. John Moores took the lead early through Paudie Finnegan.
Conor Hogan of Napier started winning balls in the mid-field and feeding
them in to a quick forward line that chipped away at Moores lead. At half-time
there were only two points in it but that proved decisive. As reported
last week, it was the first ever ‘Derby’ final when John Moores
and Hope met in an all-Liverpool showdown.
The Plate
Sunderland 2-7 Chester 0-7
The Plate final was contested by two teams, Chester and Sunderland, who
had never won a trophy. Thirteen Universities entered, including a side
from Rennes, France.
Sunderland dominated the opening period, going into the lead though their
half-forward, Paul Close of Antrim. Sunderland scored a goal in each half
to seal victory.
Division 2 final
Preston 3-9 Glasgow 0-10.
After their elimination from the Division 1 competition, six teams contested
the second division trophy. Qualifying for their first finals were Glasgow
and Preston.
A close match looked in prospect and Preston built up a good lead by half-time.
Glasgow battled back, but missed chances. Preston’s sharpshooter
was Mark Counihan, the Player of the Tournament.
Presentation ceremony.
Tyrone football legend Peter Canavan presented the trophies and medals
to the winners and runners-up, as well as the player of the tournament
accolades.
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