American Football Ireland Week 5 Recap
Another weekend of Irish American Football is in the books and there were some big performances all around, as well as a couple of surprises! The Louth Mavericks put on an absolute show against the Antrim Jets and took another step towards an inevitable championship game clash with the UL Vikings, while down in Cork the Admirals dropped UCD to move to second place in the premier division standings. Keep reading for our full American Football Ireland Week 5 recap!
Belfast Trojans 7 – Craigavon Cowboys 0
The Trojans scored early in the first half courtesy of a Mo Ramadan receiving touchdown, and clung onto their lead for the remainder of the game. Despite snapping a five away game losing streak, the Trojans will be disappointed they didn’t put more points on the Cowboys. Craigavon are now on a two game slide and will need to find answers, and points, in a hurry if they are to avoid a losing season. Belfast will need a lot more firepower in future games, and will undoubtedly be stronger at home after two games straight on the road.
Cork Admirals 18 – UCD 14
Stephen Hayes tossed three touchdowns( two to Ryan Price and one to Jahn Dasini) to give Cork a huge victory over UCD in a game that is certain to have playoff implications as the season progresses. This was a statement win for the Admirals. And the rest of the league is now on notice. UCD battled hard, with scores from Arun Mooney, Conor Hanrahan and the sensational Sean McVeigh, but it wasn’t enough in the end. Could the Admirals be destined for the Shamrock Bowl? They’re definitely on a roll!
Louth Mavericks 56 – Antrim Jets 0
The Dundalk side recorded a second straight shutout in an absolute rout of the Jets on the road. QB Nathan Hearty put on a phenomenal performance with a total of SEVEN touchdowns, while Alex Hanratty, Brendan Simms, Eamonn Ward and Anthony Vize all found the endzone for scores. Ward also snagged himself an interception of the defensive side of the ball, as did Dan Marshall, with Gerry Lawless, Dan Finley and Donal Drew combining for four sacks. The Mav’s lopsided victory against a totally hapless Jets side continues their march to division one dominance and an almost certain semi final spot.
Dublin Rhinos 24 – NI Razorbacks 0
A ballsy win on the road for the Rhinos, with touchdowns from Dylan Gladney, Adam Jenkins and Luke Ivers. A Ross Bolger field goal put this one on ice in the 4th quarter and handed the Razorbacks their second shutout loss on the trot. Indeed the Razorbacks only win thus far this season came against the aforementioned winless Jets. If alarm bells aren’t already ringing for Gareth Millar and Co, they certainly will be after this. The Rhinos remain competitive in division one and will certainly give a fight to anyone who crosses their path!
University of Limerick Vikings 37 – Donegal/Derry Vipers 8
Fun fact: It’s more than a 4 hour drive from Limerick to Derry. The surging Vikings went on the road and absolutely spanked the Vipers in their own backyard, and in doing so put themselves firmly on a collision course with the Mavericks for the division one title. Derry’s lone score came on a passing TD from Gary Melly to Oisin Fleming, the pair connecting again for the two point conversion. With two weeks to prepare for a trip to Louth, the Vipers will need to sharpen up considerably.
Trinity College – Wexford Eagles Called Off
The latest in a run of games to be postponed following the recent inclement weather. A make up fixture is in the works, and we’ll bring you the score of that one if and when it happens!
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