Trojans Clobber Cowboys and UCD Edge Out Knights
Cover Image: Paul McIlwaine
After back to back 6 game weekends in the Irish American League, we got some respite on Sunday with just three contests taking place. They were all up north as well, so a massive thank you to our team for spending their Sunday on the sidelines and bringing us closer to all the action! In Craigavon, the Cowboys suffered a brutal defeat to the Trojans while up the road in Belfast, UCD and the Knights played out a very close bout with the south Dublin side ultimately coming out on top. Then, in the Northwest of the country, the Vipers and Rhinos went toe to toe in a wide open division one. Keep reading for all the details!
Craigavon Cowboys 06 – Belfast Trojans 72
The “stop he’s already dead” Simpsons meme came to mind when I saw the final score in this one sided premier division clash between Belfast and Craigavon. The Green Machine scored on the second play from scrimmage with a Dom Lynn pass to Chad Higgins and never looked back, as a pair of kick returns scores from Maks Dmitrov, a Kevin Sungo rushing touchdown and another passing touchdown from Dom to brother James gave them a more than comfortable 38-6 lead at halftime. Craigavon did manage a passing touchdown early in the first quarter from Conor Traynor, but it did little to stem the offensive onslaught by their opponents. Belfast continued to pile it on in the second half, as Adam McIlwee, Rayshawn Boswell, Jordan Clinton and Michael Ferris all found the endzone. Defensively, Thomas Montgomery and Chris Hill each had a forced fumble recovery while Linebacker Stephen Weir earned an interception.
The difference in class was gulf like between the two sides on Sunday, as the Europe bound Trojans simply overpowered their hosts. Next up for Belfast is a trip to Bristol for a clash with the Aztecs in the Central European Football League Championships (which should be more of a test for them!) The Cowboys on the other hand will need to dust themselves down quickly, with a visit from the Vikings on the cards for this weekend coming and a fight to avoid relegation!
Northwest Viper 08 – West Dublin Rhinos 07
A game of two staunch defenses came right down to the last quarter in Prehen, as the Vipers snaked a 1 point victory from the Rhinos. The visitors were actually ahead at the half thanks to a Chris Kalemba rushing touchdown and Cillian Stynes conversion, and would hold a 7 point advantage until the fourth period when Josh Reed barreled over the goal line. Mike McNaulty kept the ball on a QB sneak to add the extra points, and that was all she wrote. By all accounts this was an absolute dog fight with both teams displaying huge grit and determination on every down. They both fought until the bitter end and can each be proud of their respective efforts. The victory sees the Vipers move to 3-1 on the season, just one game behind the Panthers and in strong position for a playoff spot. The Rhinos however still have some work to do on offense if they want to compete in an increasingly intense division!
Belfast Knights 13 – UCD 20
Two teams seeking redemption after tough defeats at the hands of the reigning champs went head to head in Belfast on Sunday, with UCD trekking up the M1 to Malone RFC for a date with the Knights. Pride and points aside, both sides were also fighting to secure that precious fourth playoff spot with the Trojans, Mavericks and Rebels already owning a 3 game winning streak advantage. The home team jumped out to an early 7 point lead courtesy of a Daithi McShane receiving touchdown and conversion, but UCD answered back with a score of their own from Jefferson Freeman to edge ahead. They would then trade scores throughout, with UCD just doing enough to emerge victorious. Harry Salt put the Knights ahead 13-8 in the second quarter (and also had an INSANE one handed grab which you can watch here) but Freeman and Tom Donovan struck again in the third to give UCD a 20-13 edge which they would not relinquish. But for an injury to McShane the Knights may have held on to win this one, but as it stood at the final whistle it was UCD going home the happier team. Despite the loss however, Belfast are still ahead in the table on points difference, a factor that might come into play as we approach the latter stages of the season.