Dublin City Univ. Saints 8-25 Dublin Dragons

Venue: ALSAA, Dublin Airport.

Scorers:
1st quarter: DUB: Sean Power 25yd Field Goal (3-0).
2nd quarter: DCU: Sean Whelan 7yd run, Shane Maguire 2xpt (3-8); DUB: Lez Connolly 1yd run, Karl Byrne 2xpt (11-8); DUB: Sean Power 80yd run (17-8).
3rd quarter: DUB: Barry Reynolds 32yd pass from John Durrad, Sean Power 2xpt (25-8)
4th quarter: No scoring.

Game Report.

The Dublin Dragons remained in contention for the play-offs with a 25 to 8 victory over the DCU Saints at ALSAA in Dublin. Up and coming young players from both sides had a great impact on the game with 3 of the games 4 touchdowns coming from rookies.

Sean Power of the Dublin Dragons sprints clear for an 80yd touchdown run.

The Dragons got off to a good start, driving downfield on their opening possession with a drive that lasted half the opening quarter. Sean Power scored a 25yd field goal to give them an early 3-0 lead after the Saints defense prevented a touchdown. After punting on their next possession, Saints linebacker Cathal O’Callaghan recovered a Dragons fumble early in the second quarter to give DCU the ball in good field position. However the Dragons defense, led by Nick Newby prevented the Saints from scoring. After stopping the Dragons deep in their own half midway through the second quarter, the Saints special teams unit got the ball on the Dragons 2 yard line after the Dragons failed to get off a punt. The Saints capitalised by taking the lead on a short yardage run by running back Sean Whelan which was converted by Shane Maguire. However, the Dragons responded immediately. A couple of long first down runs by their backfield got them a first and goal which fullback Lez Connolly converted into a short yardage touchdown. Karl Byrne got the tow point conversion. The Dragons then extended their lead just before the two minute warning when running back Sean Power broke free after taking a hand-off on his own 20 yard line and sprinted the remaining 80 yards for a spectacular touchdown to give the Dragons a 17-8 lead at the half.

Barry Reynolds takes a 32yd catch and run to the endzone for the Dragons.

The second half featured some great defensive plays by both teams. The biggest defensive play of the half came early in the third quarter when safety Dave Wheeler intercepted a Saints pass in full sprint and returned it into the Saints half. The Dragons capitalised on this turnover, when tight end Barry Reynolds caught a 32 yard touchdown pass from quarterback John Durrad. This touchdown was important in that it changed the tactical balance of the game and from that point onwards, the Dragons concentrated on contolling the clock while the Saints were forced to chase the game. Saints defenders, including Steinmetz, Callanan and Cosgrave had a good half and prevented the Dragons from getting another score, stopping them on 4th down deep in the Saints half during the fourth quarter. However, the Dragons defense, with Newby, Noyes and Wheeler, had a very strong half, and was a major factor in the Dragons victory.

The Dragons play-off fate will depend on winning at least one of their two remaining games, both of which are against tough opposition – the Rebels and Knights. The Saints have one more game, against Cork, to finish their rookie season. There is only one game in the IAFL next weekend – a rematch of last years Shamrock Bowl final – between the Belfast Bulls and Dublin Rebels.

Other Score:
North Dublin Marshals 0-30 Carrickfergus Knights