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Trinity College Dublin overcame the University of Limerick Vikings 34-9 in the Shamrock Bowl Conference opener at Santry.
In what was predicted to be a close game, the Vikings batch of young and inexperienced players could not match up to the strength of Trinity. The home side was good value for the win but the nerves and rust expected at the birth of a new season were on show for all to see.
Quarterback Dan Finnamore, making his competitive debut for the Dublin side, had a scorching game and set an early benchmark in the scoring charts, passing for three touchdowns in the match, more passing touchdowns than Trinity had in the whole of the 2013 campaign.
Two of those touchdowns went to wide receiver Daniel Murphy, who will no doubt now have his eye on more scores to help Trinity this year, whilst tight end Alex Gurnee reigned in the other.
But the game wasn’t all about the air game. Rob McDowell, making his return from the ACL injury he suffered last year, pounded in a score along the ground as well as scoring a sensational kick off return TD to start the second half. The running back will be looking to stay injury free this year and grab a few more scores before 2014 is done.
Trinity didn’t have it all their own way though. The first half ended 13-0 to the home side but UL threatened a comeback with a 20 yard rushing score from running back Gavin Duffy before Adrian Garvey forced a safety by the away defence.
But Trinity wouldn’t be denied and stretched the game, coming out 34-9 victors. The Dublin side take early control of the SBC South but it’s very, very early days and this Viking side should not be counted out. They have suffered upheaval but they have a strong core in the squad and a lot of young players to blood with experience. They’ll have a say in this division before year’s end for sure.