Eirball.Football – Irish Australian Football Archive

Recap

Belfast Blitzers became the first ever team to beat the Dublin Celts, triumphing 24-20 in the 2nd Leg of the Capital Cup which doubled as an IAFL match on 22 June 1986 at Cooke Rugby Club in Belfast.

Martin Press secured victory for the Blitzers in the dying seconds when crashed over over for a Touchdown from close range and then the Belfast team ran in the extra point to make the Final score 24-20.

Dublin Celts took a 6-0 lead with an early touchdown, however the Blitzers edged in front 7-6 when Wide Receiver Ivan Smith scored a TD to which they added the extra point.

Belfast went further ahead when Derek McCord returned a punt 85 yards to the endzone, which was again converted leaving the Blitzers 14-6 up. Following this the Blitzers sacked the Celts Quarterback in the endzone for two more points. Two more touchdowns from the Celts put them 20-16 up in this see-saw battle, but the Belfast defence held firm for 7 more minutes before scoring the vital touchdown.

Scorers

Unknown Quarter

CEL – TD          0-6

BLI – Ivan Smith Pass Rec TD (PAT Kick Good)      7-6

BLI – Derek McCord 85yd Punt Return TD (PAT Kick Good)              14-6

BLI – Safety – Blitzers sacked Celts QB in Endzone              16-6

CEL – TD          16-13

CEL – TD          16-20

BLI – Martin Press 1yd Run (2xp Run) 24-20

References

[1] Anon. (1986) “Blitzers turn the tables” Belfast Telegraph. Tuesday, June 24, 1986. pg. 28

[2] Anon. (1986) “Neill set for Capital Cup blitz” Belfast Telegraph. Wednesday, June 18, 1986. Pg. 23