SIGERSON CUP Maynooth 0-11 Queen's University 0-9:A SIX-POINT contribution by full-forward Michael Newman allied to a wonderfully resolute and hard-working defensive performance were the key factors as NUI Maynooth yesterday carried on their habit of slaying third-level giants in the Sigerson Cup.

Maynooth went all the way to the final last year and they look intent on at least repeating those heroics judging on this victory over a more fancied Queen’s.

Midfield superiority and the deployment of a quick delivery helped them take a 0-8 to 0-6 interval lead, despite falling behind to points from Charlie and James Kielt in the opening minutes. Paul Callaghan added a point to two converted frees, however, while Newman was very close to a goal when his magnificent drop kick while turning away from goal just cleared the crossbar. He also sent over a 45 metre free with the outside of his right boot.

Queen’s levelled early in the second half with points from James Kielt and Ryan Jones but they only landed one more score. The tie was scoreless for the final 18 minutes and Gavin McIntyre’s point put pressure on the Belfast school to chase goals. Heroics from Davy Dalton and Karl O’Brien saw Maynooth survive.

NUI Maynooth:S Connolly; D Dalton, D Booth, C Freeman; K O'Brien, D Quinn, T Johnson; C Murphy, J Califf; M Hanratty, P Callaghan (0-3, 0-2 frees), D Quinn; F Barry (0-1), M Newman (0-6, 0-4 frees), G McIntyre (0-1). Subs: P Ó Conghaile for Johnson ( 28 mins), B Mitchell for Hanratty (40 mins), C Marron for Barry (57 mins), A Behan for McIntyre (60 mins).

QUB:J Deeney; N McGovern, L O'Neill, O Duffy (0-1); C Kielt (0-1), J O'Kane, L Howard; S Burke, R Jones (0-1); M Sweeney, N McKenna (0-1), R Grugan; J Kielt (0-5, 0-4 frees), J Ireland, M Armstrong. Subs: K Rafferty for Jones (45 mins), S Barton for Burke (49 mins), C Crilly for Grugan (53 mins).

Referee: S Carroll(Westmeath).