The Westmeath Minotaurs fell to the South Dublin Panthers by a score of 20-9 in Blanchardstown.
We arrived in Dublin wary of a tough test against a Panthers team that contained a number of quality players. The day started poorly with the Panthers scoring a deep pass on the opening drive. The defense had to work extremely hard to keep the Panthers backfield contained, but as the half wore on gradually got to grips with the game. The offense had a number of drives stall via penalty or miscue. However just before the half Joe Kinahan found Shaun Dalton for a touchdown. The extra point hit the upright leaving things 6-7 at the break.
The heat was taking its toll on both sidelines, with several players suffering from the effects of dehydration and exhaustion. Both teams battled away at each other into the second half. The game threatened to swing our way as Peter Dempsey returned an interception into the redzone. Unfortunately we had to settle with a field goal when a touchdown was in reach. On the ensuing drive the Panthers struck with a touchdown of their own, leaving the score 13-9 heading into the closing stages.
A huge gain by Cathal Dunne was called back on an illegal man downfield call, eventually resulting in a punt. On this subsequent drive, despite a valiant effort from the defense, the Panthers would find another touchdown to effectively put the game out of reach. Despite a late drive that moved into the Panthers redzone, the ball was turned over on downs and the Panthers kneeled out the game.
Next week the Minotaurs take on the defending champions UCD.
