Cork Admirals 8-6 Dublin Rebels

Admirals running back #34 Keith O'Callaghan makes tough yardage before being tackled by Rebels #22 Steve Archibald

Venue: Sportslink, Dublin.

Scorers,
1st Quarter, No Scoring
2nd Quarter, REB Chris Winton 25yd run
3rd Quarter, ADS Keith O'Callaghan 16yd run. Alain Pezeron 2xpt
4th Quarter, No Scoring

Poor conditions on the day ensured that this semi final contest would be a hard, closely fought game. The first quarter saw teams trade punts numerous times. Although both rushing offenses did gain some yards, defenses stood firm and stopped drives. Martin Mulrey and Patrick duBoucher played well for the Admirals. Steve Archibald played well for the Rebels, recording an INT. In the second quarter the Rebels run game gained some yardage. Chris Winton was rewarded for his strong running with a breakaway score form 25 yards out, the conversion was not succesful. A Peter Lucey INT near his own goal-line stopped another scoring chance the Rebels had.

Rebels #10 Henry Wasserman in mid air.

The second half started in much the same fashion as the first,with both defenses on top. Paul Grogan for the Rebels and John Duggan for the Admirals punted for huge yardage throughout the game and placed both offenses deep in their own territory. Pat Quinn had an INT for the Rebels in their own red zone after a good Cork possesion. Dominic McHale had some good catches in the third quarter to keep drives moving. Admirals ball carriers gained some good ground yardage on the way to the Cork score, a 16 yard run by O'Callaghan, converted by Pezeron. Conditions deteriorated even further during the second half, and a soggy field made passing difficult. A fourth quarter Barry Rafferty INT ended a good Rebels drive, after Winton and Marcus Naylor gained some ground. Rich Bos and Patrick du Boucher blocked effectively in the fourth quarter, allowing the Admirals to run some clock off.

With two minutes to play the Rebels took over after a fourth down stop near their 30 yard line. Winton had a first down carry on the first play of the drive. Good defense by the visitors prevented the Rebels form advancing into scoring range. Tight pass coverage by Peter Lucey helped win the ball back for the Cork side who were able to end the game with kneeldowns. Both sides played hard throughout, and the game was played in great competitive spirit, even on a poor day for quality football.

Admirals defender stops #94 Paul Smith.