DCU Saints 2-34 Cork Admirals

July 22nd, 2008 | Baker | Game Reports

Wildcard game in the play-offs.

 

UL Vikings 47 – 12 DCU Saints

July 10th, 2008 | Baker | Game Reports

DCU Saints 6-0 Belfast Bulls

July 1st, 2008 | Baker | Game Reports

DCU reach Play-Offs

DCU Saints reached the Shamrock Bowl Play-Offs for the first time in the Clubs history, after beating Northern Conference team Belfast Bulls in a tight and thrilling game. This game was particularly important as the winner got the Play-Off spot. Winning 6-0 on the day, DCU Saints have secured their playoff game against Cork Admirals with one game left in regular season.

(Photos by Dominic McKeown)

On a bright and blustery day at the City Of Belfast Playing Fields, Mallusk, both teams started cautiously and were testing each other out from the offset. The Bulls started on Offense. When having run the ball on their first play, they went to the air on their second and intercepted by DB Alex Trimble. Called back for a penalty, the Bulls retained the ball and went back to the running game. The Bulls QB showed he was a danger when scrambling and their running backs were constant threats. Going to the air once again the Bulls QB was intercepted a second time by DB Trimble who returned the ball to more than halfway and DCU Offense took to the field. Captained by QB Cormac Ecklof, DCU opened with its running game but was met with stiff opposition by the strong Bulls Defense. The ball was turned over on downs. This pattern of play was to repeat itself over, many times, as both Offenses made yardage only for opposing Defenses to make great tackles and stop any scoring. As the game of tactics continued, both Defenses excelled in wearing down their opponents. DCU Defense had a shut out game with the secondary in particular, having a great day at the office. DB’s Alex Trimble and Willie Coyne and Safety Conor Spenser were excellent, all making crucial tackles and closing down Belfast Bulls passing opportunities. The Linebacker crew had a busy day closing down running options and pressurised the QB constantly. The Bulls Running backs were fast and agile and the LB’s had to work for their tackles. The Defensive Line manned by Harmen Zweers, Stephen O Connor, Conor Sullivan, and aided by Neil Callanan and Steve Porteus, battled all day with a strong Bulls Offensive Line. DCU’s Offensive Line battled equally hard with Stuart Clarke, Emmett Ryan, Liam O’Tailluir, David Rothwell and Neil Callanan giving QB Ecklof time for passing.

The resulting kickoff by Shane Maguire, made the Bulls attempt their return from within their endzone, specials teams made the all important tackle and the Bulls were starting 10yds from their endzone. Their power running game became very effective as they neared halfway line. DCU’s Defense made them work for their firstdowns and thus helped the clock run down. Then DCU’s Defense hit their purple patch and drove the Bulls Offense back past the their line of Scrimmage. The Bulls were then corralled and sought that crucial first down in vain. With not quite enough time on the clock to take a knee, DCU’s offense sought to run down the game but when there was still 1 minute 17 on the clock, DCU fumbled and the Belfast Bulls took possession. The Bulls didn’t have any time outs remaining and from being positioned at midfield, the Bulls went for broke. Some incredible tackling by the DCU Defense, stopped the Bulls and time ran out for their Bowl challenge for 2008. DCU had made it to the Play-Offs.

DCU Saints face UL Vikings at home on July 6^th at Alsaa. With a week off to train DCU then face the Cork Admirals in Cork on July 20^th.