Week 13
We arrive at week 13 of the IAFL season and we are still no closer to a clear picture of the play-offs! This week sees two teams fight to keep their play-off hopes alive. The lead in the Northern Division could change hands yet again. The Leagues only undefeated team hope look to maintain their 100% record. Take nothing for granted – 2011 is the year of the unexpected!
Belfast Trojans (5 – 1) @ Craigavon Cowboys (2 – 3) Brownlow, Craigavon. 1pm
The Northern Division has already provided two play-off bound teams. Both the Trojans & Knights have an impressive 10 points from six games played. The Knights hold on to top spot by virtue of their better head to head record. This Sunday the Trojans will be looking to take the top spot with a win in Craigavon. The Trojans 5th ranked defense have provided enough of a platform for their offence and special teams to win 5 of their 6 games. They are an impressive 3 – 0 on the road. Trojans Special Teams may be the talk of the League, but their balanced attack will ensure defenses play them honest. The Cowboys may come into this game as underdogs, but that is a tag they would be comfortable with. They have a good mix of youth and experience throughout their roster. The Cowboys have scored in all of their games this season, including 12 points in their week 7 loss at the Trojans. Since then they have exploded for a season high 42 points against Cork in week 8. Their offence will cause the Trojans some problems. The Cowboys must win two of their remaining three games to stay in the hunt. A loss for the Trojans could see them take the long route to the ‘Bowl. This game is a serious contender for game of the week and with so much at stake a must see for anyone in the area.
UL Vikings (5-0) @ Dublin Dragons (0-5) Lucan Community College, Lucan. 2pm
Following a long layoff the IAFL’s early leaders will, no doubt, be looking forward to a game. The Dublin Dragons play with a ferocious pride at home. There are no easy games in Lucan. While this game may not challenge for the title of game of the week, it has a lot of attractions for spectators. There may never be a good week to host the IAFL’s leading offence & meanest Defense, but the first game after a two month hiatus is about as good as it will get. The Dragons must get off to a good start to make a game of it. They have their biggest roster for several seasons and with five games under their belt they should be looking to improve on recent performances. They may not roll back the clock to the heyday of the Dublin Dragons, but this could be a learning experience that will serve them well down the road.
West Dublin Rhinos (1-4) @ Dublin Rebels (3-3) Sports Link, Santry, Dublin. 1pm.
A win here will ensure the play off football for the Dublin Rebels. It would also stretch their lead at the top of the division to 3 points. Meanwhile the Rhinos must win to keep their mathematical hopes of a wild card slot alive. This game will see two of the league’s top defenses in action. The Rebels have conceded an impressive 61 points in six games this season. The Rhinos have an equally impressive record giving up 50 points in five games. Both offenses will be hard pressed to perform in this game. The pressure falls mainly on the Rhino’s offence who have failed to provide a balance to their 2nd ranked defence! The Rebels will be aware that their close neighbors have all the elements that go into an efficient and effective offense. They will have to work hard to keep another clean sheet. For the Rhinos another heartbreaking close “moral victory” will not do. Perhaps their special teams can make a mark in this game, perhaps their offence can contribute with score. However they do it is a MUST WIN game for the Rhinos. With both teams playing to stay alive and at a great venue for a football game, this is the IAFL GAME OF THE WEEK for week 7. But make sure you set your alarm early this game kicks off at 1pm!!!