Around the Continent: Roger’s Corner – 6/17/14
Ireland
The Belfast Trojans, who lead the IAFL North, defeated the Dublin Rebels 34-19 in a game that was important for playoff positions. Belfast is now 6-1 with Dublin at 5-1. But the win gives the Trojans the advantage in the result of a tie. In the south, Trinity College Dublin remains the only undefeated team in Ireland after whipping the last place Waterford Wolves 34-0. The game between the Carrick Knights and the West Dublin Rhinos had to be called at halftime with the Rhinos leading 8-0. An injury to one of the players required hospital treatment and the ambulance carrying him could not return in time for the game to continue. The rules state that an ambulance must be on site at all times for play to continue. There is no word as to when the game can be resumed. With three weeks left in the season, the Belfast Trojans still lead the North with 12 points with the Rebels second with 10. Trinity College has a solid grip on first in the South with 14 points and they are followed by the University of Limerick Vikings with eight points.
Italy
In the final weekend of play before the playoffs,the Parma Panthers (Europe #12) and top team in Italy, took care of third place Bolzano Giants 35-7. They finished the season 10-0 and will face Bergamo, who finished fourth, in the semifinals. Bergamo had no trouble with Lazio, beating them 26-0. The second-place Milano Seamen were idle, but finished the season 9-1, their only loss coming at the hands of the Panthers. So this coming weekend will see the semifinals played. On Saturday, June 21 the Milano Seamen (8-2) take on the third place Bolzano Giants. This could be the game to watch as the Seamen squeaked by Bolzano 10-7 earlier in the year. Parma will take on Bergamo after having beaten them handily 34-6 on May 25. The Italian Superbowl takes place on July 6. Parma has won the past four Italian Superbowls and are heavy favorites to win the 2014 title.
Norway
Only two games were played this past weekend. The Eidsvoll 1814s (Europe #20) were surprised by the play of the last place Ntnui Nidaros Domers. They still beat them 48-32 but did not expect the resistance the Domers displayed. On the Sunday, the Kristiansand Gladiators were merciless, mauling the Vålerenga Trolls 46-13. With four games remaining in the season, the 1814s remain solidly in first at 5-0. Lura has now dropped two games in a row, but still sits in second, with Kristiansand close behind in third.
