Fast-learners UCD are beginning to get a grip of things in Division One and this was clear at Belfield yesterday. When matters became tough the students showed they were ready to battle against a hard-working Terenure side.

For long periods it looked like Terenure would triumph. Their driving forward play had UCD on the back foot and allowed outhalf Richard Governey to mix his game well on the run and with his boot.

However, UCD are nothing if not adventurous and in the 61st minute full-back Dermot O'Sullivan crossed for a try and outhalf Eoghan Hickey converted. However, Terenure's Dermot Quinn helped his side to a half-time lead, 18-12, with two tries.

UCD's wingers Stuart McCarron and Paddy Hickey-Dwyer sealed victory with tries in the 15th and 33rd minutes respectively.

Scoring sequence: 15 mins: S McCarron try. E Hickey con, 7-0; 20 mins: R Governey pen 7-3; 25 mins: D Quinn try, Governey con 7-10; 33 mins: P Hickey-Dwyer try 12-10; 36 mins: R Governey pen 12-13; 40 mins: D Quinn try 12-18 half-time. 42 mins: E Hickey pen 15-18; 52 mins: R Governey pen 15-21; 61 mins: D O'Sullivan try, E Hickey con 22-21.

UCD: D O'Sullivan; S McCarron, M Colling, S Moore, P Hickey-Dwyer; E Hickey, B O'Riordan; M Moynagh, K Corrigan, J Montgomery, P Callanan, N Breslin, A Carroll, P Shanley, T Carter. Replacements: S McCullough for Montgomery 70 mins; N Coughlan for Shanley 79 mins.

TERENURE COLLEGE: S Cullen; M Dowling, M Smyth, J B Sullivan, R Governey; K Putt, J Nolan; C Egan, S Barretto, M Quinn, D Quinn, A Ryan, D Blaney, B Kavanagh. Replacements: G Deans for Nolan 59 mins; B Blaney for Egan 76 mins; P O' Malley for Blaney 44 mins.

Referee: C Beverland (Ulster Society).