Dublin City Univ. Saints 0-58 Belfast Bulls

Venue: Victoria Park, Belfast.

Scorers (all Bulls):
1st quarter: Gareth Millar 2yd run, Lorimer 2xpt (0-8).
2nd quarter: Dee Lorimer 7yd run (0-14); Mike Calo recovered punt in endzone, Lorimer 2xpt (0-22).
3rd quarter: Dee Lorimer 5yd run, Millar 2xpt (0-30).
4th quarter: Mark Helferty 47yd run, Millar 2xpt (0-38); Mark Helferty 2yd run, Lorimer 2xpt (0-46); Willy Hart 45yd int return (0-52); Gareth Millar 5yd run (0-58).

Game Report.

The Belfast Bulls got themselves right back in the play-off hunt with a comprehensive victory over the DCU Saints in Belfast. Gareth Millar, Dee Lorimer and Mark Helferty each had three rushing touchdowns as the Bulls ground game dominated.

The Bulls got on the scoreboard early in the opening quarter after running back Gareth Millar scored on a short yardage run which was converted by Dee Lorimer. Lorimer got the first of his two touchdowns early in the second quarter – a seven yard run after the Bulls offense got into scoring range. The Saints managed to keep in the game for most of the first half, but quarterback Conor Buggle’s offense struggled at times and the Bulls defense led by Carl Ward and Marty McKeever contained the Saints elusive running back, Dave McMahon. The Bulls special teams extended Belfast’s lead on the last play of the half when Mike Calo recovered a fumbled Saints punt in the endzone for a touchdown.

The Bulls defense played well in throughout the second half. Stephen Coulter and Willy Hart made some good tackles. Mid way though the third quarter, the Bulls got into scoring range again and Lorimar punched in another short yardage score to effectively seal the game for Belfast. The Bulls special teams came up with its second score of the game early in the fourth quarter when Mark Helferty ran out of punt formation and scrambled 47 yards for a touchdown. Helferty also scored the Bulls next offensive touchdown, from 2 yards out. The Bulls defense then got on the scoreboard when linebacker Willy Hart intercepted a Saints pass and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown. The Bulls 8th and final touchdown of the game came late in the quarter through a Gareth Millar run to make the final score 58-0.

The win puts the Bulls back in the hunt for a play-off place with a 3-3 record. With the Dublin Rebels, UL Vikings and Carrickfergus Knights looking like they will secure three of the four semi-final places, the Bulls will battle the Cork Admirals and Dublin Dragons for the final play-off place through the month of July. Both rookie teams – Saints and Marshals are mathematically eliminated.