Dublin v UL Vikings

28th March 2004

IAFL

UL Vikings 9-18 Dublin Dragons

Venue: UL Sports Grounds, Limerick.

SCORERS:
1st Quarter: UL: James Chandler 29yd pass from Ben Lanser (0-6).
2nd Quarter: DUB: Robert Popciobotartepelus, 21yd pass from Rob Olwill (6-6); UL: Patrick Ryan 21yd FG (6-9).
3rd Quarter: DUB: Dave Wheeler 2yd run (12-9).
4th Quarter: DUB: Matt Quinn 31yd run (18-9).

The Dublin Dragons got off to a 2-0 start for the first time in their history thanks to a 18-9 victory over the UL Vikings in Limerick. Both offenses looked strong in the first half. The Dragons moved the ball into scoring range on their first possession, but missed a short field goal. The Vikings then took an early lead; in almost an identical manner to the game between these two teams earlier this month; with a 29 yard pass from QB Ben Lanser to receiver James Chandler. The Dragons responded quickly in the second quarter and made the score 6-6 with a 21 yard pass from QB Rob Olwill to receiver Robert Popciobotartepelus. However, the Vikings fought back and regained the lead before half time with a 21 yard field goal from Patrick Ryan.

The Dragons ground game began to pick up momentum in the second half. They got into the red zone thanks to a 25 yard run from Chris Gambino, but failed to convert a 4th and 4 to turn the ball over to the Vikings. Two plays later, a Vikings fumble was recovered by Dragons linebacker Lez Connolly to give the Dragons a first and goal which was converted into a score with a 2 yard touchdown run by Dave Wheeler. Connolly and Dragons safety Franck Hupke were instrumental in giving the Dragons defense the edge during the second half. The Dragons sealed their victory in the fourth quarter when back-up QB Matt Quinn, filling in for Olwill, scored on a 31 yard quarterback sneak to make the final score 18-9 to the Dublin Dragons. The Dragons running game was particularly strong with Dave Wheeler going over 100 yards. Newly signed Texan running back, Chris Gambino also contributed over 70 yards from 10 carries on his debut game in the IAFL.