World Footy News

The Dublin Demons have won another pre-season tournament, this time the Irish leagues warm-up series the Woolshed Super 10s. The series was interrupted by poor weather this year, but that is something Ireland expects and organisers shuffled the draw to ensure all sides got a good spread of games and a winner was found. New club South Dublin weren't quite ready for the Super 10s but are set to go for the main season.

The season opener saw the Clare Crows push Leeside before ultimately falling by 22 points. Pitch problems saw the Belfast leg cancelled.

The Demons started their year with wins over local rivals the Saints before knocking over the Midland Tigers. Both matches were comfortable wins and under new coach Tommy Madigan they look to be the team to beat in 2006. Adding some firepower up forward is Ireland player and ARFLI webmaster John Enright. A defender for the Green Machine in the 2005 International Cup, the pre-season has seen him slotting the big sticks and perhaps he's found a new role.

Match hardened (or alcohol sodden?) from their trip to Glasgow where they claimed the Scottish Cup, the Demons then faced the Dublin Saints again for an easy win, then met their 2005 ARFLI Grand Final conqueror the Leeside Lions. The Cork boys kicked into the wind in the first half (the Super 10s featuring shortened halves not quarters). The Dublin D's made good use of the advantage to set up the win then defended stoutly and importantly were able to score into the wind. In a thriller the Demons won 5.9 (39) to 5.3 (33) to gain some small revenge for the 2005 premiership loss. Both sides look to be firm favourites to contest the main 2006 title.

Follow the Irish league at www.arfli.com.