Ireland: Panthers stun Trojans in Belfast, Vikings undefeated as season winds down

By Jimmy English

The Minotaurs maiden season in the top flight of Irish American Football ended in ugly fashion on Sunday, as they were on the wrong side of a 50 point drubbing.  Dublin’s mean machine were on top form with Greg Johnson, David King and Jack Basquile all catching passes from Ty Henry. Henry crossed the goal line on a QB keeper and Andrej Barlafa also added a rushing score. Their defense didn’t sleep either; Jason Kolokithas nabbed a pick six and MVP Jordan Raheem had 3.5 sacks. The only consolation for the Minotaurs is the fact that the Rebels are the best team in the country right now and are all but guaranteed a spot in the Shamrock Bowl. The question now is: who can stop them?

Dublin Rebels 58 – Westmeath Minotaurs 0

Dublin Rhinos 28 – Donegal/Derry Vipers 0

The Rhinos have somehow got themselves a playoff spot. Despite a tough season including the loss of their starting QB, the Castleknock boys are into the semi-finals. A balanced game saw them put up points on both sides of the ball with the highlights being Seamus Ashtons 60 yard touchdown rush and Brian Martins pick six (not bad for an aul fella Brian!) Their defense feasted on the Vipers, to the tune of three interceptions and three sacks. The Rhinos will now be faced with the much tougher task of taking on the Vikings in Limerick. This victory was well earned, and credit must go to HC David Hosford for pulling his team together and getting a win .The Vipers meanwhile will be ruing another losing season, and will have a long offseason to try and come back stronger.

UCD 50 – Belfast Knights 0

Belfast Trojans 16 – South Dublin Panthers 22

We all thought this was a foregone conclusion and it would be the Panthers being put to the sword, but by god did they pull one out of the bag yesterday! Finn Kearns and Trinity transfer James O’Leary rushed for a touchdown each but it was the big man Ben Arulogun who made the play of the day from Defensive End  to seal the win with a pick six. Ray Burke also intercepted the ball in the last minute to end the game. Belfast led until the break – Dom Lynn connecting with Mo Ramadan and Kieran Tomlinson for scores. The Panthers playoff hopes are well and truly alive. Their next fixture is away to Cork and a win is crucial. Belfast on the other hand will have to beat the Rebels at home next week in order to have a shot at the Final Four.

UL Vikings 19 – Cill Dara Crusaders 0

The Vikings are undefeated! A perfect regular season for UL as they finished 8-0 yesterday with a 19 point victory over the Crusaders. QB Fin O’Donovan accounted for two scores – one through the air to Sean Grace and one on the ground himself. Rookie Running Back Josh Ryan also got himself on the score sheet with a rushing touchdown. The Vikings D put in a good shift as well, totaling 26 tackles, 2 sacks and an interception. UL will now have home advantage into the playoffs, and will more than likely have the same for the Division One Bowl game in a few weeks time. Cill Dara will also feature in the playoffs, but will be on the road to Dundalk once again.