Brothers Brian and Tim Cahill had major roles to play as UCC reached the semi-finals of the Students' European Cup at the Mardyke last night. They scored a try apiece as their side came from behind to oust the University of Northumbria, 23-13. UCD, however, went under, 18-16, to Brunel in the other quarter-final in England.

UCC led 6-3 at half-time with Brian O'Mahony kicking two penalties against one from Ben Cosbie-Ross. But Northumbria went ahead early in the second period when Geoff Smith powered over for a try and Cosbie-Ross converted.

UCC regained the initiative when Tim Cahill drove over for a try to which O'Mahony added the points, and, after Cosbie-Ross equalised with a drop goal, O'Mahony kicked a penalty to restore his side's lead. Brian Cahill sealed victory three minutes from the end, and O'Mahony converted.

At Richmond, UCD finished off their involvement with a disappointing display against Brunel.

The turning point came in the second half when UCD missed a penalty from the Brunel 22, which, had they scored, would have taken them to a comfortable 19-8 lead. Instead, Brunel gained control with two tries.

Winger Jake Smith scored the only UCD try with out-half Brian O'Driscoll adding two penalties, a drop goal and a conversion.