The "Cardiac Kids" season of the Irish continued last night at Fletchers as Ed Gardner's drop goal with five minutes left gave the Irish a 31-28 win over Old Crescent (Limerick, Eire) in the first tour game for the visitors.

The Irish, who trailed 14-0 at halftime, rallied with four second half scores despite the absence of nine 1st XV starters.  Istvan Mozes and Seb Orsi scored to lift the greens level early in the second half; Old Crescent conceded an 80 meter kick and chase to the Miers brothers, Henry and Angus to give the Irish the lead; Old Crescent came back with two majors of their own to lead 28-21; 19 year old wing Mark Irvine completed a long break by Mozes to level the score; then Gardner's drop gave the young Irish side the win.

"If I had a heart,it would be in arrest by now," said Irish coach Mark Winokur after the game, the fourth match in a row that has been decided in the dying moments.  "But I am truly proud of the way our guys played, especially the young guys who have not had much first team exposure.  Our will to win and hustle was an example for us all."

Amongst the players making their 1st XV debut tonight were John Horne & Jake Denes from the Timberwolves, plus Angus Miers, Mark Irvine and Ryan Carr from the I.C.R.C. Development side.

"Combined with the good session we had on Monday," noted Winokur "I feel we have turned the corner on the season and I am convinced our play will improve in the second half of the year."

Practice is at Brebeuf on Thursday and the club hosts Oakville Crusaders at Fletchers on Saturday, with special KO times of 12, 3 and 4:30.  Old Crescent, who played in the All Ireland First Division last year, face the Super League National Finalist Toronto Renegades at Fletchers on Sunday.