Trojans, Knights & Mavericks serve up Forty burgers in the Sun
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you can’t beat Ireland when the sun shines! It brings out the best in everyone, especially those playing American football! Four games were down for decision around the country this weekend as the Rhinos traveled to Newbridge hoping to strengthen their playoff positioning, the Trojans hosted the Rebels, Louth welcomed Westmeath to Dundalk and in Malone RFC the Knights whalloped the Cowboys to bounce back after last week’s defeat! You know why you’re here and I know why you’re here… so let’s just cut to the chase and give you the round up!
Cill Dara Crusaders 28 – West Dublin Rhinos 35
The top half of Division one has been blown wide open (you’ll see why later on) and with this come from behind victory on the road, the Rhinos are starting to peak at just the right time. After they took an early 7-6 lead this turned into a real back and forth affair with Cill Dara looking like they might pull away as the game approached its conclusion. But not so fast my friend! The Rhinos dug in and scored 3 unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter, capped off with a Craig Usher rushing score to seal the win and most likely spot in the postseason. Usher has emerged as one of the best backs in the league, totalling 4 scores on the ground on Saturday to go along with an Ethan Foster score which also came on the ground.
Their defense wasn’t slouching either: Adam Skelly snagged an interception while Carmen Bechaneau was one of several with a sack. As for Cill Dara, they’ll have to be kicking themselves after letting this one slip away. Scores from the home side came from Wello Omorodian, James Ahearne and Ben Costello, while Jordan Farrel proved his worth as a lead blocker. While the winner of Division One might be a foregone conclusion at this stage, there’s still lots to play for!
Belfast Trojans 40 – Dublin Rebels 08
Once the Belfast Trojans get rolling it takes a lot to slow them down, and they are firing on all cylinders at the moment as the Rebels found out the hard way on Saturday in Deramore Park. The home side started out of the blocks relatively slow, with just the one score in the first quarter on a Dom Lynn pass to brother James. But once they hit their groove it was curtains for the Rebels. Rayshwan Boswell scored next on a rushing TD before Dom connected with Michael Ferris and once more to James Lynn. Oran Wilson added the PAT (4 on the day) and there seemed to be no way of slowing them down. Dom and James had their hattrick in the 3rd, before another Dom Pass found Rayshawn in the final period to put a cherry on top of this blowout victory.
The Rebels scored a consolation touchdown late from Jack Cronin but it would do little to dent the Belfast onslaught. It’s safe to say that the Trojans and UCD are probably on a collision course for the Shamrock Bowl decider in July, and all eyes will be on Belfield in a few weeks time for an exciting preview of the decider.
Louth Mavericks 48 – Westmeath Minotaurs 07
Ty Henry strikes again. And again and again and again. In fact, the ageless gunslinger accounted for 6 total passing touchdowns on Sunday afternoon as the Mavericks absolutely crushed their closest competitor for the Division One crown ( Now you see what I was talking about earlier.) Fin O’Donovan, Grant Schutte, Brendan Simms, Declan Mulvihill and Nathan Hearty all reeled in scores from Ty, while Grant added another on the ground. Gerry Lawless, Eamon Ward and Stephen Dowling made things hard for the Minotaurs with an interception apiece, as the Mavericks sealed the number one seed and took another impressive step on what has been a relentless campaign of pure domination.
Domas Vilys scored for Westmeath on a kick return to avoid a shutout, but it wouldn’t matter in the end. I’m not crowning the Raging Bulls as champions quite just yet, but it’s going to take a hell of a lot for anyone to slow them down. And yes I know I need a new metaphor – Bulls in a china shop perhaps?
Belfast Knights 48 – Craigavon Cowboys 00
Does anyone else get the sense that the Knights were out for blood on Sunday? A week after being smacked by their Belfast neighbours, the boys in black and gold took out their frustrations on a depleted Cowboys side to the tune of a 48 – 0 beat down. Liam Moores made it 6-0 straight out of the gates with a deep pass to Zac McDowell, and the Knights were off to the races from there. Moores also connected with Harry Salt and then again with Marty Caskey for the hattrick. Belfast caused damage on the ground as well: Callum McCurry finding the endzone on a short rushing TD up the gut. It didn’t stop there though, as Zac McDowell connected with Marty Caskey, and subsequently scored again on a fly sweep to the house on a pass from Liam Moores.
Isaac Searle finished things off with a flourish, returning an interception all the way back for six. Spencer McDowell and Blaine Early both earned sacks as well on D, rounding out a very impressive performance. This Knights side are young and hungry, and had the beatings of UCD earlier this season. They should certainly be a shoe in for a playoff spot, and may even surprise a few people!