Rhinos 0-25 Carrickfergus Knights

The Dublin Rhinos charged into town on Sunday, claiming the opening kickoff and driving deep inside Knights' territory.

Mixing up run and pass plays and converting on a huge forth down, the visitors narrowly missed out on scoring as the Knights' defense stiffened inside their own red zone. A field goal attempt sailing wide was the result of an opening drive that took up a large chunk of the first period of play.

The Knights offence took the field with little room to breathe, and a strong wind held up a pass long enough for the Rhinos to pick it off, and cause concern on the home team sideline.

Carrick's front 'Four Horsemen' dug in, along with the rest of their dogged defense, and started to take control of the game, winning the ball back and denying the Rhinos yet again.

In the second quarter, with the strong wind now in the Knights' favour, their offense sustained a solid drive ending when #33, Robert Elliott, pounded his way in for a touchdown. By half time they were up 13-0 as QB #14 Adam Devenney's redemption pass was snagged and bagged by wide receiver #86 Paul McKillop. The P.A.T. (point after touchdown) kick was good.

The Knights took the ball to start the second half and stretched out the Rhinos' defence as well as the lead. A focused and determined offensive line held off the Rhinos' pass rush and cleared the way for another impressive performance from the young Carrick running back #34 Callum Morrow. With 24 carries for 127 yards on the day, the rookie blazed his way into the end zone twice in the third period.

Carrick's defense stood firm and piled on the pressure. Captain #90 Spencer McDowell, #53 Darren Montgomery, and #39 Mark Harris all got to the Rhinos' passer forcing the quarterback into mistakes. 2 interceptions were claimed, one by #39 Coach Harris with an instinctive leaping grab over the middle and the other by rookie cornerback #38 Aaron Murray, showing poise to take his second pick of the season.

#85 Andrew Crawford replaced Devenney at quarterback and steered the offence through the final quarter to take the Knights to a 2-0 record in a solid exhibition, behind a rabid defense that made all the difference.

Knights' Offensive M.V.P. (Most Valuable Player) was awarded to Callum Morrow for the second consecutive game. Defensive M.V.P. went to #53 Darren Montgomery for blood, sweat and FEARS !!!