Carrickfergus Knights 0-34 Dublin Rebels

Venue: Sportslink, Santry, Dublin.

Scorers:
1st quarter: REB Simon Mackey 1 yd run (0-6)
2nd quarter: REB Simon Mackey 40 yd run, Simon Mackey 2xpt (0-14); REB Carl Faichney 20 yd pass from Andrew Dennehy (0-20)
3rd quarter: REB Simon Mackey 7 yd run (0-26)
4th quarter: REB Andrew Dennehy 5 yd run, Simon Mackey 2xpt pass from Andrew Dennehy. (0-34)

Game Report.

The Dublin Rebels showed why they are league champions today with a 34-00 shutout of the Carrickfergus Knights in a game fraught with intensity and big hitting.

Tailback Simon Mackey opened the scoring in the first quarter with a one yard run set up by a thundering 30 yard outside run by Mackey on the previous play. Mackey got his second of three in an awesome performance of power running with a 40 yard run and then converted the extra points himself to make it 14-00 to the Rebels. The Rebels defence did a great job shutting down the Knights' Offence all game. Big hitting from LB's Paul Calner and Paul Weldon and great intensity from the Defensive line of Simon Mackey, Conor Walsh, Al Kelly and Paul Smyth stuffed run after run. The Rebels scored again in the second quarter with Dennehy throwing 20 yds to Carl Faichney to make the score 20-00.

In the third quarter the Knights' Offense tried to get some momentum with running backs David Wright and Robert Eliot getting yards on the ground. The Rebels Defense managed to stop a resurgent Knights team with continued aggression and hard hitting. When the Rebels were moving the ball, it was largely down to the power running of Offensive MVP Mackey and some great catches by Paul Smyth. The Knights Defense played hard, and DB's Paul McKillop and Derek Dempsey did well in covering the Rebels' receivers. The Rebels Offensive Line also played very well during the game, opening holes and maintaining blocks. Mackey went in for his third TD of the afternoon on a 5 yard run up the middle.

In the fourth quarter, Rebels QB Andrew Dennehy scored on a five yard run after a sensational catch for 40 yards by WR Eoin Halpin put the Rebels well into the red zone. Running back Simon Mackey then caught a pass from Dennehy to convert the 2xpt and bring his personal scoring tally to 22 points. Final score Rebels 34, Knights 00.

North Dublin Marshals 8-66 Cork Admirals

Venue: Pfizers Sports Club, Ringaskiddy, Cork.

Scorers:
1st Quarter: COR: Alain Pezorant 24yd run + 2xpt (0-8), COR: Marcus Gates 4yd run + 2xpt (0-16).
2nd Quarter: COR: Alain Pezorant 5yd run + 2xpt (0-24), COR: Alain Pezorant 32yd run + 2xpt (0-32).
3rd Quarter: COR: Keith O’Callaghan 31yd run (0-38), COR: Richard O’Sullivan 12yd run + 2xpt (0-46), NDM: Darien Bell 9yd run + 2xpt (8-46), COR: Willy O’Brien 75yd int return + 2xpt (8-54).
4th Quarter: COR: Alain Pezorant 2yd run (8-60), COR: David Lomasney 2yd run (8-66).

Running back Alain Pezorant scored 4 touchdowns and got over a 100 yards rushing in a comprehensive victory for the Cork Admirals at home to the North Dublin Marshals. The Admirals ground game dominated the first half, scoring 2 touchdowns in each quarter – 3 from Pezorant and 1 from fullback Marcus Gates. The Admirals defense, led by James Lordan and Pat DuBoucher on the defensive line over powered the Marshals offensive line making it difficult for the Marshals quarterback Seth Larson to find the time to connect with his receivers.

The Admirals domination continues into the second half with running backs Keith O’Callaghan and Richard O’Sullivan adding two touchdowns in the third quarter. In the same quarter, the Marshals managed to move the ball into scoring range and Darien Bell scored from 9 yards out. Admirals defensive back Willy O’Brien rounded out the third quarter scoring with a 75 yard interception return. Futher rushing scores, each from 2 yard out from Pezorant and David Lomasney made the final score 66-8 in favour of the Admirals.