Mavericks take a huge step

LOUTH Mavericks took a huge step towards a semi final place with a derby win over the Meath Bulldogs on Sunday.

In a toughn physical game in wet, slippery conditions in Navan, the first three quarters were dominated by two strong defences as both teams found it hard to move the ball and gain any sort of momentum.

The fourth quarter continued the same way until the game suddenly kicked into life with three minutes remaining.

With the Mavericks pressing on the 15 yard-line, the Bulldogs unleashed an all out heavy blitz.

The quarterback was hit as he attempted to throw and as the ball popped free it was recovered by the Bulldogs defence who ran it all the way home for the game’s first score.

The subsequent xp was missed, meaning the Mavericks had three minutes to salvage their season as a loss would almost certainly rule-out the play-offs.

The Mavericks received the kick-off and with some nifty footwork, Mario Novak brought play to the 40-yard line.

Louth then put together their best drive of the day, making almost 40 yards through quick passes and heavy running. On a 3rd and 10, the Mavericks were back in the game as David Maguire found himself wide open in the end zone.

Rob Shevlin took a huge hit as he released the ball but it floated perfectly into Maguire’s arms.

The xp was blocked down by some great bulldog pressure leaving the score at 6-6 going into the last minute.

So with 50 seconds remaining the Bulldogs got the ball back knowinga draw would be good enough to see them through to the semi-finals.

The opted to play the territory game, but an attempted deep pass was intercepted by James Di Silva, giving the Mavericks offense great field position.

Through sheer grit and determination the Mavericks pounded the ball up the field and with three seconds remaining found themselves on the bulldog 33-yard line.

Out came Declan Mulvihill who boomed over the field goal, the equivalent of NFL standard 50 yards, securing a dramatic 9-6 victory.

The Mavericks now play the Westmeath Minotaurs on Saturday at Dundalk Rugby Club in a rescheduled match from April. A win or draw will guarantee a semi-final match-up on July 17th.

Kick off this Sunday is at 2pm.