Week 10 of the IAFL Season sees two Northern Divison Teams make the trip to Dublin to face Central opposition. Both Central teams have been beaten by Northern Opponents recently & are no doubt looking forward to restoring some divisional pride. All games take place on Sunday 15th May and kick-off at 2pm.
Belfast Trojans @ West Dublin Rhinos – Castleknock College.
The Game of the Week has to be the Belfast Trojans (3 – 1) trip to Castleknock to face the West Dublin Rhino’s (1 – 3). The Trojans last trip south yielded them 59 points. Offensively they have racked up 106 points in 4 games. Their defence however is not so consistent. Shut outs against UCD and Dublin Dragons leaves 67 points given up in 2 games. Meanwhile Rhino’s fans must be wondering what they need to do to buy a win… simple score! The Rhinos have been shut out in 2 games this season and scored 14 points in 4 games. The Rhino’s D ranks as one of the best in the league giving up and average of 10 points per game and keeping their team competitive in all of their games this season. The Rhino’s offence need to step up in this battle of Wild Card contenders. An open game would suit the visitors. For the Rhinos it hinges on finding the endzone. Two scores could be enough for WDR’s D to secure the points. For the Neutral Castleknock College is a stunning venue for a football game and the home support know their football and love their team.
Criagavon Cowboys @ Dublin Rebels – Sportslink, Santry.
The second match up sees the Craigavon Cowboys (1 – 2) travel to Sportslink, Santry to take on the defending Shamrock Bowl Champions, The Dublin Rebels (2 – 2) Motivation will not be in short supply at this game. The Rebels will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat in Carrickfergus. The Cowboys hard hitting, compact brand of football will a good challenge for the Rebels. Week 8 saw the Cowboys make the long trip to Cork to secure a win. This week they will have a shorter journey but a bigger challenge. The Cowboys Offence has scored 26 points in 2 games against their their divisional rivals this season and a further 42 points on the road win in Cork. They will test the Rebels defence. They have a balanced attack with the ability to drive the ball up the gut and hit the deep pass. Their QB is comfortable moving in and out of the pocket. Aaron McAlinden can run the length and width of the football field – on a single play. Peter Loughran is a threat down the field and Bobby Murray can be introduced when needed to punch holes in the defensive front. The Rebels defence have the players and the ability to match up to the Cowboys. The Rebels have conceded only 33 points in 4 games against top opponents ( -8.25 points per game average) . Again this is a Dublin Side looking for offensive production. While Craigavon may concede an average 19.75 points per game, they are physical up front and have a fast and ball hungry secondary. Dublin will have to establish the run before they look to pass. But the Rebels have that ability. Should be an enjoyable encounter at a central and fan friendly location.
DV8s: Drogheda Lightning @ Trim Bulldogs – Boyne Community School.
In the DV8s Development League, Trim Bulldogs host Drogheda Lightning. Both are first season teams and should be quite evenly matched in terms of squad size and strength. This will be Drogheda’s first ever competitive game. Trim lost to Tullamore in their first game last weekend, but the experience of having played coupled with home field advantage should mean they are favoured in this fixture.
Catch a Game!