UUJ started 2009 the same way they finished 2008, with another well deserved victory. This time it was over over previously unbeaten Dublin Institute of Technology and now means the Jordanstown men have won four out of four in the ICRU Division 1 (Group B) section and are now virtually guaranteed a semi final spot.

Jordanstown started the stronger of the two sides and after a great break by Andrew Semple he slipped the ball to Michael Bradford. With a clear line at his mercy he had a rush of blood to the head and somehow managed to drop the ball.

It wasn't to long until UUJ did manage to get on the score sheet. After Ali Birch collected a kick on half way he slipped it to usual winger Jonny Stewart, playing at flanker. Stewart caught DIT sleeping and ran in from the half way for a try that Scott Browne converted.

After this DIT started to come into the match but poor discipline and handling errors let them down. Bradford then made up for his earlier 'faux pas' when he gathered the ball and sprinted over the DIT line for an unconverted score. This left the half time score at 12-0 for UUJ.

DIT started the second half brightly and managed to retain the ball for large periods of time but good UUJ defence kept then out. This pressure did eventually pay when they scored an unconverted score. This seemed to spur UUJ into action and with their objective to try and run the ball at all opportunities, Semple tapped a quick penalty 5 metres out from the DIT line and directly in front of the posts. He then skillfully fed to Bradford who hit an excellent running line to canter over unopposed. Browne added the conversion. DIT struck next when they scored an converted try. UUJ were now pushing for a bonus point but also trying to ensure they won the match. It was therefore essential that they got the next score and they managed this when after good interplay it was Tom Patton, who had started the original move, who was left to sprint over after receiving the ball again ten metres from the DIT line. Browne added the extras.

Shortly after the final whistle blew leaving UUJ 26-12 winners. Up front the set pieces were excellent and in the loose Birch and Patton worked tirelessly and made a lot of yards with ball in hand. Semple controlled things well from scrum half and made several telling breaks that with more support would have resulted in more scores. The rest of the backs stuck to their task superbly, including those that were masquerading as forwards and vice versa!!

UUJ now play Athlone IT in two weeks time in their final group match before the play offs