Ireland: Belfast Trojans in playoffs & UL Vikings capture Munster Derby

What a cracking weekend of football weather we had around the country, as both the premier and division one entered the final few weeks of action. And I’ll tell you one thing – I wouldn’t have fancied wearing a helmet and pads in that heat! Three official league games were slated for Saturday and Sunday, while in Balbriggan the Louth Mavericks hosted the Ohio Northern Polar Bears in an exhibition scrimmage/family fun day. You can check out our photos from the game here.

It’s too warm to write unnecessarily so let’s get straight to it!

Belfast Trojans 44 – UCD 08

Under normal circumstances, a clash between the former and current league champions would be one to really whet the appetite, but given the form each team has been in this season, it would have been a huge shock had this game gone any other way. After an early 3 and out the Trojans got up and running on a Dom Lynn pass to Ray Boswell, with James Lynn catching the 2 pointer from his brother.The ensuing kick return then appeared to have been stripped and recovered by Belfast, but the referees ruled forward progress and UCD retained possession. However they couldn’t do much with the ball and were forced to punt again. The hosts began picking up steam in the 2nd quarter as Adam McIlwee found the endzone for a rushing score, while Brandon Falconer came up with a big forced fumble which Tom Goodchild fell on.

Jordy Clinton and Stephen Weir caused havoc on defense, as an endzone interception and back to back sacks respectively prevented UCD from getting anything going. The students eventually managed to punch in a score in the 3rd quarter courtesy of a Tom Donovan reception, but by then it was too late – a pair of Boswell rushing touchdowns coupled with two more Dom Lynn passing scores and a Chris Hill pick put this tie well out of contention. UCD to their credit battled hard all game long, but as we have seen all season long: Deramore Park is a formidable fortress where the away side rarely gets the win. Belfast are now officially playoff bound, with the upcoming clash against Louth destined to be the deciding factor in how the semi finals are seeded.

*Note: It has since come to our attention that AFI have ruled the un-played Mavericks Vs Rebels clash as a 30 point walkover, meaning that the outcome of Louth’s game versus the Trojans will have no bearing on Belfast’s final playoff seeding. Unless the Trojans lose or draw against Limerick they will be ranked #1 going into the playoffs.

Causeway Giants 32 – Wexford Eagles 06

After suffering heavy defeat on their last outing, you have to admire the tenacity of the Eagles for making the long flight up north with such a depleted squad. They could have easily taken the easy way out and not played, but instead honoured the fixture and battled until the final whistle. Luis Alberto opened the Giants account in Lime Park with a punt return touchdown and followed it up with a rushing score to give the hosts an early lead. Nathan Chapman, returning to his role as signal caller, connected with Kai Hannaway and Tony McCloskey  – putting the game beyond reach by half time.

Wexford did manage to muster a score thanks to stand in QB Killian Buckley, but an ensuing Tony McCloskey fumble recovery touchdown sealed the deal in the 4th quarter. Despite the win, the Giants suffered a heavy loss in the form of stalwart Kristyn “Viking” White, who suffered a season ending injury. We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. The Eagles will be keen for the post season to arrive in order to regroup, although it must be said they have played exceptionally well this year despite the challenges they have faced. At 3-3 the Giants are still well in with a shot of making the playoffs, with two crucial fixtures against the Rhinos and Vipers still to come.

Cork Admirals 08 – UL Vikings 10

A tight contest in Cork saw the Vikings seal a dramatic last minute win on an Eoin Byrne 50 yard field goal. Joseph Bamidele scored a rushing TD and 2 point conversion for the hosts, but UL responded in kind through a Riain O’Byrne house call. The affair came right down to the wire in classic style – a Chris O’Mahony interception in the dying moment sealing the deal. Cork are not out of the danger zone just yet as a late Cowboy resurgence could potentially sink them to Division One. But last minute miracles aside they should live to fight another year in the top flight. Limerick on the other hand still have three fixtures remaining, all of which bar one (against the Trojans) are winnable and could well end the season with a 4-4 record and a shot at the playoffs!