GAME PREVIEW

The University of Limerick Vikings and Dublin Rebels will contest Shamrock Bowl XXII at CIT Stadium, Cork on 10th August 2008. Both teams are experienced at this level of football - the Vikings are the defending Shamrock Bowl Champions and are playing in their third consecutive final. The Dublin Rebels won for consecutive Shamrock Bowls between 2002 and 2006. Both teams enter this game with identical 8-1 records this season. The UL Vikings qualified for the Shamrock Bowl with a convincing 42-8 victory over the Belfast Trojans in their semi final, whereas the Rebels has a much tougher semi final, needing to score 10 points in the final two minutes to defeat the Cork Admirals by a score of 19-12.

As the defending Shamrock Bowl Champions, the UL Vikings entered the 2008 season as the team to beat in the IAFL. The Rebels were the only team to defeat them with a 32-14 victory in Limerick last June. However, the Rebels only regular season loss was to the Cork Admirals, whom the Vikings defeated both home and away. This gives an indication of how close the teams at the top of the IAFL are to each other. Statistically speaking, the Rebels finished the season with the best defense and 2nd best offense in the IAFL. The Vikings were 3rd best on both offense and defense. As Champions, the Vikings have the most recent Shamrock Bowl pedigree - defeating the Cork Admirals 22-14 in 2007. The Rebels most recent Shamrock Bowl appearance was a 44-12 victory against, the Vikings in 2006.

When Vikings have the ball:
The Vikings offense is led by quarterback JP Nerburn, who previously played for the University of South Carolina. Nerburn is a rangy runner with a strong arm. He works behind a large offensive line which includes Brendan Moroney and Mark Thompson. Last years Shamrock Bowl MVP, Seamus Hogan is their most effective offensive weapon. He's not afraid of contact and has breakaway speed. Adrian Garvey and Jim Davis will also get carries. Wide receiver Marc Ashworth is the Viking best receiver. He has good hands and is a deep threat. One of the best allround athletes on the Vikings team is tight end Glenn Carr. Carr is a good run blocker, but has great hands and is adepth at catching passes in traffic. All rounder James Twomey will also contribute for the Vikings.

The Rebels defense is led by Steve Archibald who plays in a highbred linebacker/defensive back position. Archibald has an eye for the ball and it was his defensive touchdown with 30 seconds to play which got the Rebels to this Shamrock Bowl. Paul Smyth. Conor Walsh and Steve Wilson give the Rebels an experienced defensive line. 2006 Shamrock Bowl MVP Ross McCooey is a good run stuffer at middle linebacker. The Rebels secondary is strong and leads the league in interceptions.
Veteran Marcus Naylor plays as safety and Eoin Daly is a young and upcoming talent at cornerback.

When Rebels have the ball:
The Rebels offense is led by veteran quarterback Andy Dennehy.
Dennehy's talent is in his decision making and precise execution on plays. The Rebels offsensive line is very mobile and relies more on technique than brute strength. Led by Shane Campbell, Tobias Hansson and Sunday O'Hanlon, they use a lot of plays which involve pulling linemen and are adept at screen passes. Sam Hodgins is star of the Rebels backfield and has some good moves. Kevin Finnegan should also get some carries. The Rebels move their tight ends, Mick Finnucane and Henry Wasserman around alot and they get the occasional carry from the full back position in addition to blocking and catching passes. Tall receiver Barry Flinn is Dennehy's favourite receiver and he is complimented by a group of 3-4 young receivers who share the load on the other side of the field.

Like the Rebels, the Vikings have a very strong secondary. The "No Fly Zone" as it has been nicknamed around the IAFL is led by safety Liam Ryan, who as well as being a ball hawk is not afraid of contact. Ryan is joined in the Vikings secondary by Daniel Smith and Sean Lewis. The Vikings linebackers are noted for their hitting. Alan O'Carroll and Bill Parkinson are both excellent run stuffers as is Mark Gaffney. Outside lineback Dara O'Callaghan is a good pass rusher and the Vikings interior line has some size and includes Kieran Coen and Dave Maloney. Defensive end, Jim Davis, adds experience to the defensive line. The Vikings defense has some depth and expect a lot of players to rotate in and contribute at different times during the game.

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