There was a general thumbs down for the experimental rules in this O'Byrne Cup first round clash, played in heavy conditions at wet and windy Pearse Park yesterday. There was a lot of confusion, with the two referees, Kevin Levins and Bob Doheny, making a number of strange decisions.

Dublin, in their first game under new manager, Tommy Carr, survived an early scare, as Longford stormed into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead with points from Padraig Davis and Dessie Barry. In the 21st minute Dublin goalkeeper David Byrne made a great save from Aidan Keogh. Dublin eventually got their act together, and scores from Dessie Farrell, Ciaran O'Hehir and Declan Darcy left them on level terms, 0-5 to 0-5, at the break. A minute into the second half, a point from midfielder Ciaran Whelan gave them an advantage they never surrendered. Longford defender Colin Hannify was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 53rd minute.

In the weekend's only other match, Wicklow and Meath played out a 0-9 to 0-9 draw on Saturday and will replay next Saturday after poor weather ruled out a replay yesterday.

DUBLIN: D Byrne; P Christie, D Harrington, B Barnes; J McGee, I Robertson, E Heery; B Stynes, C Whelan (0-1); D Darcy (0-3, two frees), D Farrell (0-2), M Deegan (0-1); C O'Hehir (0-3, two frees), D Honan, J Sherlock. Subs used: (all in second half) - R Boyle, K Barr, K Galvin, D Maxwell. LONGFORD: G Tonra; P McCormack, G Brady, C Conefrey; C Keogh, F McNamee, C Hannify; A Keogh, D Hannify; M Mulleady, P Farrell, PJ O'Neill; D Barry (0-3, one free), P Davis (0-3, all frees), C Fox. Subs used (all in second half) - T Smullen, W Skelly, J Smith, S Donlon, C Kenny.

Officers elected in county conventions in Sports Round-Up.