Victories for Dublin Rebels, Limerick Vikings and UCD in Irish American Football League

UCD, Dublin Rebels and the UL Vikings were the victors in Week 4 of the Irish American Football League.

Out of the 3 games, a staggering 186 points were scored making it the highest scoring weekend of games so far. There is also a potential record-setter as the biggest victory ever seen in the IAFL. The Vikings and Rebels continue to push forward in the Shamrock Bowl Conference South as UCD get their first W on the board.

   South Dublin Panthers (1-1) 34 – 48 University College Dublin (1-2)  

A scoreline that replicated their week one game with the Belfast Trojans, UCD were on the winning side of a shootout as they came away 48-34 against the Panthers.

It was a game that went back and forth with both teams piling up points in a high scoring encounter. The majority of the scores came through the air as both quarterbacks took advantage of weak secondary play. UCD signal caller Tom Donovan rocketed to the top of the passing charts as he tallied 7 touchdowns through the air whilst adding 3, 2-point passing conversions. His targets on the day included Danny Lucas Johnston (x2) Conor Hanrahan (x2) Aodhan Mullan (x2) and Gavin Quirke. Kevin Duffy, Alfie O’Sullivan along with Hanrahan and Mullan all added 2 point conversions. UCD have been caught in a number of close games of late, but the high-powered offence has so far made up for the defensive frailty.

The Panthers offensive output continues to improve as they pushed UCD all the way to the finish. Quarterback, Tosan Memuduaghan had an impressive day as he passed for 4 touchdowns and rushed for 1. His favourite target, receiver Sean Devlin converted 3 of those touchdowns with Mick Duncan scoring the other. Duncan kicked 4 successful extra points, as the Panthers fell just short. If the Panthers performances continue to improve however, they should expect to find themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt come seasons end.

The Panthers and UCD now have a well earned rest before their next fixtures. The Panthers return to action on April 23rd as they host Trinity College, whereas the students have a months break before heading south the take on the UL Vikings.

   North Kildare Reapers (0-2) 0 – 92 University of Limerick Vikings (2-0)  

As if the trip down to Limerick wasn’t long enough for the Reapers, the travel back will be increasingly longer as they suffered one of the biggest defeats in the history of Irish American Football.

Whether it is the biggest scoreline ever seen in the IAFL, the record books will need to be checked but it will be a performance the Reapers will want to quickly forget. Injuries piled up for a young, worn down group of players but they continued to battle to the end despite the game being well out of reach by half time. North Kildare found themselves up against a motivated and hungry defence that kept them to minimal yards all game. An inability to move the football was only one of a number of reasons to why the Reapers struggled on the day.

The Vikings however sent shockwaves around the league with a complete performance that will have everyone on high alert. Quarterback Raymond Burke hit payday as he scored 7 of the Vikings touchdowns, 5 rushing and 2 through the air. Back-up QB Liam Ryan also contributed to 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing score. The other rushing scores came from Shane Gleeson and Darren Enright, whilst Sean Goldrick, Seamus Hogan, Reece Moloney and Richie Cronin had one receiving touchdown each. Adrian Garvey, Enright, Burke, Adam O’Mahoney and Ciaran Hatter all added 2 point conversions. John McMahon’s pick 6 and 4 extra points compounded the misery on the Reapers.

The Vikings will be hoping to continue their momentum into their next game with the Cork Admirals in Limerick. The Reapers meanwhile will want to put Sunday’s defeat behind them as they turn their attentions to April 30th’s visit of the defending champions, the Dublin Rebels.

  Carrickfergus Knights (0-2) 0 – 12 Dublin Rebels (2-0)  

It was a much closer affair on the other half as Dublin as the current Irish champions held of the Knights in a defensive battle. It took an improved second half performance for the Dubliners to break away from their formidable opponents.

Both sides traded blows in a close first half, with very little separating two of Ireland’s most successful sides. The defences were in top form in the opening period, with momentum swinging back and forth. Numerous turnovers were created with Linebacker Andrei-Vlad Vasilescu from the Rebels and defensive back, Sean Quinn of the Knights were primary contributors on defence, each forcing fumbles and interceptions to retrieve the ball back for their side.

In the second half, the Rebels found another gear and began to accelerate away from the challengers. They managed to break the Knights resolve when the ground-game found some juice and they started finding success through the air. As the game drew to a close, the Rebels managed to break the deadlock as Simon Mackey burst through for 6 points to give the champions the lead. The score was all but secured when running back, Pete McMahon closed out his 108 yard rushing day with a touchdown that saw the Rebels win 12-0 in a competitive encounter.

The Rebels next game see’s them face the North Kildare Reapers as the Knights hope to gain their first victory of the season as they take on the Belfast Trojans in 3 weeks.