DCU Saints 44-0 Tallaght Outlaws
April 14th, 2008 | | Game Reports
Update: Photos added to gallery. More to follow
DCU versus Tallaght Outlaws was destined to be a mud bath from the kickoff. A huge hailstorm smothered the pitch 20 mins before the coin toss. The soggy pitch had an immediate effect as both teams traded fumbles. Saints opened the scoring with a 15yd run by RB Dave McMahon, his first of four in the game. The 1xpt was unsuccessful.With Outlaws still stuttering on offense, DCU put together a good drive only for Outlaws D to thwart them and went for a FG which was unsuccessful.Saints Defense was particularly sharp on the day as the front four of Harmen Zweers, Stephen Connor, Conor Sullivan and Gary Fogarty caused lots of problems for Outlaws Offensive line. Linebackers Eoin Fox, Carl Rushe, Clayton Wood and Damian Baker prevented Outlaws running game from making much progress. On a resulting turnover on downs, RB McMahon ran in his second TD of the game from 10yds out.With hail and rain falling heavy, huge puddles began to form on the pitch as players collided with fantastic hits that not only had sound effects now had splashes. The ball became very slippy and as a result of punt snap slidding along the ground Saints were able to get great field position within Tallaghts red zone. On the resulting play, RB McMahon score his third from 15 yds out aided with some great blocking from OL Neil Callanan. The 2xpt was unsuccessful.
Outlaws began to move the ball on the ground on their next drive but again were stopped by the Saints hard hitting defense and turned the ball over on downs. With some great running by RB Killian Roche and RB McMahon, Saints Offense drove down to the 3 yd line where RB Roche scored DCU’s fourth TD of the game with a well timed run. The 2xpt was converted by RB McMahon.Outlaws punted on following drive and recovered the punt after the returner fumbled. While there was momentary sunshine, the Outlaws QB went to the air to try and score before the half ended.
The second half began with more fumbles and tackling in the large puddles formed on the pitch. The middle of the pitch started to play havoc with both teams running game. Outlaws went to the air attack but Outlaws QB was constantly harried by chasing Saints Defense, DCU’s Offensive line was doing a great job dominating the Outlaws front four and on the next drive in the third quarter RB Roche made some great running to setup RB McMahon score his fourth and final TD of the game. The 2xpt was unsuccessful.
With both teams running the ball the clock started to run out for Outlaws, Stout defense by Saints stopped any progress Outlaws made. QB Ecklof began to throw the ball as conditions eased. Combing with WR David Mullins for a great 30yd reception and 20yd TD.
Late in the fourth quarter, QB Ecklof connected with WR Sam Monson, who made a fine one handed catch and gather in the endzone for Saints last score of the game. The game ended with the score 44-0. On the day the conditions played a huge part making play for both teams difficult. The game had a short break into the first half when there were fears of a lightning storm but temporary clearing skies enabled game to resume.
For DCU this was their first win of the season after a disappointing opener and a great confidence boost going into their next game with conference opposition Dublin Rhinos.
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