Meath Bulldogs vs Dublin Dragons
March 10th 2013, Kickoff 1pm
Final Result:Bulldogs 00 Dragons 02
Game Report: By Conor O’Driscoll
Photos: Simon Walsh
On a cold, blistery day in the Dragon’s home field in Westmanstown Garda Rugby Club, the Dublin Dragons and the Meath Bulldogs took to the field in a game were defences controlled proceedings with a savage hand. These two teams were well acquainted with each other, and there was no love lost as the hits came fast and early.
The Dragons kicked off and the Bulldogs made a respectable return to around the 25. With a pacy runningback #26 Peter McMahon, Meath attempted to get him to the sideline from the first drive. The Dragon’s defence did an outstanding job getting contain however, and made sure there was simply nowhere for The Bulldog’s #26 McMahon to go. This saw to a quick 3 and out and a Bulldog punt that took a cruel wind and unfortunately went for negaitve yardage.
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Starting on Meath’s 20 yard line, the Dragons went with a fullback dive for a respectable 5 yard gain. Following an offside penalty by the defense, the Dragons were set up on a first and goal at the 10. A series of incompletions and a strip sack recovered by the Bulldogs meant that this great Dragons start went for nought.
Buoyed by their great start, the Dragons’ defense picked up right were they left off, controlling the sidelines, and ensuring the Bulldogs had to resort to an inside running game. This was were the Dragons’ Defensive Tackles showed up big, stuffing this run for little or no gain. Again The Bulldogs attempted to get their pacy runningback to the sideline, with a very similar result. An unnecesary roughness penalty on a facemask, however saw that the Bulldogs got a fresh set of downs. They were unable to capitalize on it however as they immediately went 3 and out.
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With the ball at midefield, the Dragons attempted to get their own running game going, with little success however, as the Bulldogs were able to get great penetration, and set the edge very well versus runs to the sideline. On 3rd down, a 15 yard throw to wide receiver #12 Mick Duncan by QB #15 Conor Murphy, and some strong running after the catch, gave the Dragons a first down at the 15. A flash of elusiveness mixed with power from fullback #44 Timothy Kneen resulted in a 7 yard run. This was followed by a 1 yard gain, setting up 3rd and 2 at the 7. The Dragons elected to try and pitch the ball, but were unable to properly turn the corner, only getting 1 yard. Feeling boistorous with the success of the defense, the Dragons attempted to punch it for a first on 4th down. A well timed middle linebacker blitz came through unblocked and stuffed this run for a loss.
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Much of the second half went, and some very fine punting by Mick Duncan ensured that the Dragons controlled the field position game. They were unable to capitalize as a series of 3 and outs and an interception kept them out of the endzone. Frustrated with their lack of success running the ball, the Bulldogs attempted to air it out with their passing game. Tight coverage by the Dragons seconday ensured that they were restricted to very short gains and incompletions. Indeed, they were lucky not to be picked off, as an interception slipped through Outside Linebacker #18 Aidan Waters’ finger tips. Just before the end of the half, the Bulldogs attempted a play action pass on their own goal line. Unfortunately for them, middle linebacker #96 Conor Tyrell came unblocked on a blitz and sacked the quarterback for a safety. This was to be the only score of the game.
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Fired up after an obviously inspiring half time talk by Head Coach Garland Drake, the Bulldogs penned the Dragons back in their own half for much of the 3rd quarter. Like the Dragons however, they were unable to make superior field position pay offensively. Just before the end of the third quarter, QB Conor Murphy inspired what looked like a momentum swinging drive, with two big completions to wide receiver #80 Graham Dolan, and tight end #45 James Collins. Unfortunately for the Dragons, a myriad of offensive line penalties ensured they stayed mired in midfield.
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The fourth quarter was much like the first 3, with much bluster, but little head. Dragons safety #8 TK Fowler recorded an interception, and followed this up with a fine return on a punt return on the following drive. The Bulldog defense continued its fine showing, and kept the Dragons out. With a minute to go, a big completion by the Bulldogs to their running back put the ball on midfield, and giving Meath hope. There was simply not enough time though, and the clock fizzled out, giving the Dragons their first 11s win in a very long time.
