Cowboys claim home points

Mark Beattie working hard for Craigavon Cowboys. Pic by Ariane Photography.

South Dublin Panthers arrived at Chambers Park with a record that matched the hosts but Cowboys’ positive start provided the foundation for victory.

Panthers posted the first score of the clash but Cowboys recovered to take control.

Peter Loughran - the Cowboys quarterback - found tightend Conrad Smith to close the gap to 7-6.

Strong play by the home defence led to some positive field position for Cowboys, with the offence on target courtesy of Loughran’s pass finding Ryan Whiteside and the latter caught a contested ball then fell into the end zone.

Luis Alberto slotted over the PAT to put Cowboys clear by 13-7.

Loughran made his mark again by picking out Smith and he smashed past two defenders to dive over the line.

Alberto converted the touchdown but Panthers hit back to make it 20-14.

James Trouton collected a last-gasp misplaced Panthers pass to seal victory.

Cowboys now sit with a 2-3 record for the Irish American Football League season entering the closing three fixtures.

The next test is planned at Chambers Park on Sunday, May 31 from 2 o’clock against Belfast Trojans.