UL sprang a surprise to defeat DIT in the opening round of the Sigerson Cup at Grangegorman tonight.

Inspired by Clare star Keelan Sexton, Declan Brouder's charges edged the Dublin students by 1-13 to 1-12.

Sexton put on an exhibition of point-taking, scoring 1-10, including a rather fortuitous 19th minute goal from a point attempt which dropped into Mark Jackson's net to leave his side 1-5 to 0-5 in front.

But the scores were deadlocked at the halfway stage after Ronan O'Toole pulled a goal back for DIT just before the short whistle, 1-7 apiece.

The game remained nip-and-tuck after the break until Sexton fired over three points in quick succession to give UL a 1-13 to 1-10 lead with six minutes remaining.

DIT rallied with efforts from goalkeeper Jackson and Tom Keane, however, they were unable to find an equaliser as the UL defence stood firm under pressure to record an impressive victory.

Brian Flanagan's side will have an opportunity to make amends next week when they face Athlone IT - 36-point losers against UCC tonight - in the new 'backdoor' system.

Meanwhile, UL have booked themselves a place into round 3.

UL - S Long; M Reidy, G White, F Flanagan; P Maxwell (0-1), J Cunnane, J O’Connor; D Bohannon, U Harney; F McDonagh, C Linnane, E Lawless (0-2); K Sexton (1-10, 0-7f), T Hoare, J Lyons. Subs: B Friel for F McDonagh, N Rabbitte for B Friel, J Ronayne for C Linnane, P Maher for T Hoare.

DIT - M Jackson (0-3, 2f, 1'45); J McCusker, B Power, A McGowan; D Toner, S Flanagan, F O’Shea; S Hurley, R O’Brien (0-1); C Pearson (0-1), R O’Toole (1-4), B Howard; L Loughlin, O Lynch, J Conlon (0-2). Subs: T Keane (0-1f) for D Toner, K O’Gara for L Loughlin, D Monahan for S Flanagan, F Maguire for C Pearson.

Referee - A Nolan.

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