Sunday 9th August 2009 – 2pm
Univ. Limerick Vikings 9-6 Dublin Rebels (OT)
Cooke Rugby Club, Belfast.
The University of Limerick Vikings won their third consecutive Shamrock Bowl by defeating the Dublin Rebels in overtime at Cooke Rugby Club, Belfast. Vikings kicker, Daniel Smith kicked a 33 yard field goal 5 minutes into sudden death overtime to seal the victory. The winning kick was set up by a brilliant interception by Vikings cornerback and former NCAA basketball star JP Nerbun – his second interception of the game.
The Rebels had taken the lead at the start of the second quarter with a 3 yard run by Sam Hodgins, but the Vikings responded later in the same quarter with an 11 yard run by Adrian Garvey. Garvey was voted the games MVP after running for over 100 yards in a game where both defenses seemed to have the edge. Both teams missed field goals which would have won the game before it was eventually settled in overtime. The Vikings will now represent Ireland in the 2010 Atlantic Cup – which is the European Championship for amateur teams.
