Belfast Trojans 22 – 26 DCU Saints
April 29th, 2009 | | Game Reports
DCU hosted the Belfast Trojans at Alsaa on 26th April. The two teams had never met each other in a competitive match before so it was set to be an interesting game. Both teams were light on numbers but this didnt stop the game turning out into a hard fought battle that excited the small crowd of spectators.
DCU Saints started the game on offence and ran at the Trojans successfully and moved the chains upfield. By making some adjustments the Trojans Defence stood firm and stopped the Saints progress, as a result the Saints Punted. The Trojans defence blocked the punt and gave their Offense a huge boost by starting the Trojans first offensive drive just outside the Saints redzone. Trojans Offence edged ever closer to Saints goal line until Erin Wagner powered over for his first TD. The 2xpt attempt was unsuccessful. Trojans led 6 – 0.
On the resulting kickoff Running Back Dave McMahon ran the ball back to the Trojans redzone. Once there Saints Offence stuttered, failing short of a first down. Trojans Offence took over from their 15yd line and were all set to progress when Eoin Fox hit a their QB with a shuddering tackle dislodging the ball for Saints to recover. Saints Offence had a second bite of the cherry by returing to start their drive inside the Trojan 20yd line and RB Dave McMahon ran in his first of three TD’s on the very first play of the drive. Dave also converted the extra 2 points. The score stood at Saints 8 Trojans 6
Inspired by the Offence, the Saints Defence stood resolute, turning the ball over on downs on the next drive. It was the turn of the Trojans defence to raise their game as they intercepted the Saints QB Cormac Eklof on their 25yd line. The quarter ended and the second quarter began with Saints defence still refusing to yield up yards and on third down, Cornerback Adam Skelley made a crucial play to twart the Trojans QB. On the result punt, RB Dave McMahon produced a superb run to return it 50 yards for his second score of the day. Saints were unsuccessful with their 2xpt attempt. Saints 14 – Trojans 6
When the Saints defence once again held the Trojans and forced a punt, the trojans were careful not to punt to RB Dave McMahon and pinned the Saints deep in their Half. A poor snap was fumbled and recovered by the Trojans. Saints defence held firm until a Erin Wagner found a channel and eventually went over for his second TD. The 2xpt by Trojans was successful and the game was tied. Saints 14 -Trojans 14
After a good kick off return, the Saint Offence started on the half way line and moved the chains with RB Dave McMahon proving too elusive to the Trojans defenders. Within minutes he ran the ball in from 3 yds for his third TD of the day. The 2xpt was unsuccessful. The Saint started to pull away with the score standing Saints 20 – Trojans 14.
Thereafter, the two teams traded punts with the Saints Punter Ronan Murphy kicking a huge punt over the endzone from 60 yards out. The Trojans took over possession with renewed vigour and again powered their way upfield on the ground with Erin Wagner until the Saints defence again stood their ground led by Team Captain and LB Eoin Fox they turned the ball over and Saints Offence took to the field once again. Saints were dealt a blow as the sounds of planes overhead filled air when QB Cormac Eklof was intercepted. Trojans and Erin Wagner ran in their third TD from 5 yds out. Their 2xpt was successful. The game had become tight again with the Trojans leading the Saints by 2 points. Saints 20 – Trojans 22.
Undetered and commanded well by QB Cormac Eklof, the Saints Offence continued to move the ball on the ground and aided with Trojans giving away penalties were able to march up the field. Dave Mcmahon running the ball in only for a inadvertant whistle to bring the ball back to the 5 yd line. Once there, QB Cormac Eklof coolly threw to WR Geoff Coleman who caught his first career TD pass. The 2xpt was unsuccessful. Saints led 26-22.
At the last play of the third quarter CB Peter Kissiov batted the ball in the hands of Safety Conor Spencer. The fourth quarter started with the tension building. The Saints Offence was stiffled by the Trojans defense and punted. The Saints Defence repeated the pattern and forced the Trojans to punt. With six minutes left in the game the Saints Offence took to the field knowing that the had to use up the clock. A combination of strong running by RB Dave McMahon and Trojans giving up 30 yds of penalties brought the Saints into Trojans half. With the Saints trying to run down the clock by keeping to the ground and mixing in a few passes, valuable minutes used up. RB Dave McMahon fumbled on the Trojans 20yd line and Trojans took possession with two minutes left in the game. With such high stakes the game tempo was raised and again it was the Saints defence who won out as they stopped the Trojans and DCU Offense was able to take to the field with 28 seconds left and kneel to close out the game. Saints 26 – Trojans 22.
The Saints were delighted with their first win of the season and look forward to their next game on May 10th away to the West Dublin Rhinos.
DCU Saints 6 – 19 Carrickfergus Knights
April 6th, 2009 | | Game Reports
(Photos by Jonathan Beattie)