Week 11 of the IAFL
The IAFL is fast closing in on the end of regular season. Every result now impacts on the Divisional Standings and Play-Off places. Week 10 saw the Dublin Rebels draw level with Trinity Football at the top of the Central Division, with the Rebels taking the top spot due to a better head to head record. In the North the Belfast Trojans drew level with the Carrickfergus Knights, the Knights retain the top spot by virtue of their better head to head record.
Week 11 sees all of the Southern Division teams in action and another North v Central division clash.
University of Limerick Vikings (4-0) @ U.C.D. (2-3) Belfield, Dublin 2pm.
Both University teams are coming back from long mid season lay-offs. UCD’s last game was a low scoring thriller in Cork where they came away with a hard earned win. The Vikings 5 week break began after a solid performance against a tough Carrickfergus team. This game will be all about who copes best with the break. Both teams will struggle to regain their momentum. UCD’s defense have failed to keep a clean sheet all season and facing a Vikings offence that leads the league in points scored and points per game the pressure will fall on the Sentinel’s offence. UCD must score early to give themselves any chance to reverse the result from their Week 2 loss in Limerick. The Vikings have given up a meager 17 points in 4 games this season. UCD have their work cut out and must make home field advantage tell. Belfield is an easy location to get to in Dublin and hosts many top sporting events… well worth a visit.
Dublin Dragons( 0 – 4) @ Cork Admirals (1 – 4) C.I.T. Cork 2pm
Week 9 saw the Admirals travel to Lucan and come away with the win. Revenge may be a dish best severed cold, but this is football and I am sure the Dragons will be glad of this early opportunity to reverse the result. The Admiral’s have shipped 54 points in two home games this season. They are looking for their first win in Cork this week. Meanwhile the Dragons have scored in both of their away games this season, having only been shut-out once. The form unit in this meeting is the Cork Offence. They have scored in their last 3 games and seem to be finding their feet at this late stage in the season. A loss for either team will put an end to any post season ambitions. The winners will keep faint hopes of a post season berth alive.
This would be a good choice for anyone in the Munster region to catch a game. The Admirals invite the visiting team to a local venue where game highlights are shown on a big screen. Hopefully this tradition will catch on across the league!
Dublin Rebels (3 – 2) @ Belfast Trojans (4 – 1) Malone R.F.C. Belfast. 2pm.
The Dublin Rebels head north for the second time this month. Now sitting atop the Central Division they will be hoping for a better result this time. Their May 1 loss to the Knights put a dent in their play-off routine. Last week they got their championship train back on the rails with a 14 – 39 win at home over the Cowboys. The 39 points has been their best offensive production of the season. Something the Trojans will need to be aware of. The Trojan D has pitched back to back shut outs against The Dragons & Rhinos. They may not shut out a third Dublin team in a row, but a good performance may be all their offence needs to secure a win. Having scored in every game this season the Trojans are a consistent team, showing good late season form. This is without a doubt the game of the week. Both teams play tough football. If you are in the Belfast area get out to Malone Rugby Club… you will not be disappointed.
CATCH A GAME!!!!