The first quarter saw UCD come out firing. We were certainly given an example of what top division football is all about as UCD raced to a 14 point lead inside 10 minutes. The quality and tempo of their rushing attack shone to the fore. Our offense struggled to get the ball moving. It didn’t get much better in Q2 as UCD benefitted from good field position to notch another TD.
However we were showing signs of getting to grips with the pace of the game. The defense adjusted and the offense began to move the chains. Half time would come at the perfect time.
The entire team was disappointed about the performance last week and were determined to go down fighting today if that was to be the case. We got on the scoreboard via a touchdown from Alan Campbell after some trickery in the lead up. Unfortunately we conceded a deep pass shortly afterwards but that would be the last UCD could muster. It was all Westmeath after that. Joe Kinahan found Shaun Dalton for another score after some great work by running backs Rafa Monteiro and Cormac Fagan on the ground. The defense nabbed a takeaway courtesy of Peter Dempsey and on the ensuing drive we took the ball to the goaline. A controversial fumble call meant we turned the ball over on the one despite it looking like FB Jay Bruton had crossed over for the score. A case of what might have been.
The defense were flying around now, and some great work led to another punt. The offense drove again but despite some great moments couldn’t muster a third score. The game ended with both sides bruised and battered but respectful towards each other in what was truly a wonderful game of football.
Next up is a home game against the Belfast Knights on May 7.
