UNIV LIMERICK VIKINGS 22-6 DUBLIN CITY MARSHALS

Venue: UL Sports Ground, Limerick.

Dublin City Marshals 6
UL Vikings 22

Scorers:
1st Quarter: Vikings - Chris Bassitt 4 yard run (Chris Bassitt 2xPAT). Marshals - Seth Larson 3 yard run
2nd Quarter: Vikings - Michael Toomey 12 yard pass from Jeremiah Sexton (Chris Bassitt 2xPAT)
3rd Quarter: No Scoring
4th Quarter: Vikings - Jeremiah Sexton 45 yard INT return

The Dublin City Marshals arrived in Limerick looking to continue their great start in the IAFL against the Vikings. They looked to get their high powered offense rolling from the very start, and on the very first play of the game, Seth Larson looked for WR Jess Palmer down the left sideline. However, his pass was underthrown and Vikings CB Colm De Burca stepped in front of Palmer and returned the ball towards the Marshals redzone.

A few plays later the Vikings got the go ahead score as WR/Wing Back Chris Bassitt forced his way in from 4 yards out, and added the two point conversion to give the home side an early lead.

The Marshals weren't phased by going behind early and on their next drive they started to show why their offense is one of the most feared in the league. Larson got into a rhythm connecting with receivers Palmer and Darien Bell, and the Marshals RB broke off some great runs to put them in scoring range. With the Marshals inside the 5 yard line, and the Viking defense looking for the pass, QB Larson sneaked up the middle put them on the board. The conversion failed as he was sacked whilst looking to connect with Darien Bell in the endzone.

Both teams continued to move the ball well but neither defense would break and both teams were forced to punt a number of times. The Vikings eventually got moving through good running from Chris Bassitt and fullback Seamus Hogan, and eventually found themselves within scoring range. After a couple of Chris Bassitt runs, QB Jeremiah sexton found WR Michael Toomey open in the corner of the endzone for his second touchdown catch of the season. Once again, Bassitt added the two.

The Marshals, determined to reduce the deficit before half time, forced a turnover as safety Jess palmer picked off Vikings QB Jeremiah Sexton to stop a Vikings drive. The Dublin City offense then marched down the field with time running out in the first half. Larson connected with Palmer for a big gain and their running back broke free from the Vikes defense on a number of occasions to edge closer to the Limerick endzone. With 1st and goal from the 4 yard line, the Vikes defense came up big.
After a couple of run plays, Larson looked for Bell in the endzone on 3rd down and found him, but CB Sean De Paor delivered a hit to knock the ball from his hands before he could come down with it. Then, on 4th down with Larsson saw a receiver open in the back of the endzone only for it to be batted down by CB Daniel Smith, and the Vikings went into the locker room up 16-6 at half time.

Both teams came out fired up for the second half, and despite being able to move the chains, neither team find a way to make a breakthrough. The Vikings secondary were able to contain the Vikings passing game to an extent, with CB Daniel Smith and safety Liam Ryan playing well in coverage whilst DE Alex Smith and LB Jeremiah Sexton disrupted the Marshals backfield. The Marshals most dangerous offensive weapon seemed to be their running backs who had over 100 yards in the game and looked a threat to break a big run every time he touched the ball, gaining a lot of yards after contact.

Midway through the 4th quarter however, the Marshals hopes of coming back were dashed as LB Jeremiah Sexton picked off a larson pass intended for Bell at the halfway line and returned it all the way for 6 to seal the Vikings victory.

It was a great team performance by both sides, although WR Jess Palmer stood out for the Marshals, whilst CB Daniel Smith and DE Alex Smith were best for Limerick.

The Marshals (1-1), although newcomers to the league, have showed great potential so far, especially on offense with QB Larson and WRs Bell and Palmer, who are threats to score on almost any play.

The Vikings (4-1-1) could clinch a playoff spot with a victory against Cork in their final home game of the season next week.