May 23rd 2010:
The Belfast Trojans visit to Cork to face the Admirals in a crucial playoff race matchup was played in sweltering condtions. The intense heat would take its toll on both teams through the game, as the high intensity of play lasted through all 4 quarters.
The home side made the most of the good conditions in the first quarter. After a strong defensive series on the Trojans opening possession the Admirals offense took over. John Kenny converted on third down to 2nd year player Stephen Forde to put the Admirals in opposition territory and start off the Admirals offensive attack. Later on the drive Kenny again found Forde across the middle, who fought his way across the goal line for the first score of his career. Niall O’Brien added the extra point. The Admirals passing attack fared well on the ensuing series, David Lomasney catching a pass over the middle and Eric Tcasik also moving the chains. The drive stalled however and a missed field goal ended the scoring chance.
The second quarter saw both defenses on top, Barry Rafferty recording a sack and the Trojans secondary recording an interception. Late in the quarter a booming punt by the visitors left the Admirals to start at their own 10 with under two minutes to play. John Kenny directed the Admirals no huddle offense down the field, Jason Dowling gaining first downs and Brian McCarthy moving the chains through the air. With only seconds left to play the Admirals opened up the playbook, and David Lomasney threw a long spiral to Stephen Forde via a reverse pass for which Forde out-jumped the covering defender.
Score at halftime was 13-0 in favour of the home side.
The Admirals received the kickoff to start the second half but poor execution and penalties forced the Admirals to punt.The Trojans had the better of this quarter, their halftime adjustments working well. RB #39 had much yardage in this quarter, and the Trojans soon were in scoring range after a breakout run. The visitors drove across the goal line with a #39 run. The two-point attempt was good, leaving the score at 13-8.
On the next few series, several questionable penalties repeatedly plagued the Admirals and nullified good plays.
With the momentum in their favour the Trojans again had a long breakout run to the Admirals redzone, only for it to be called back with another flag for a facemask at at end of the run, effectively an 80-yard penatly. Once backed up on their own goal line the Trojans had to punt and the field-position battle switched to the Trojans half.
In the fourth quarter rookie lineman Matteusz Czop picked off a pass from the Trojans QB as he faced pressure, returning it for the first score of his career.
When the Admirals again received the ball following a good defensive stop Jason Dowling, Brian McCarthy and John Kenny each had good ground yardage to put the Admirals in Trojans territory. Stephen Forde again had a great catch and run effort but a penalty negated his score, although the spot foul meant the Admirals maintained the first down. A 4th down conversion by Dowling gave the Admirals 1st and goal, which Dowling converted on the next play to extend the lead. Good defense from Martin Mulrey, Harris Monagan and Peter Lucey prevented any Trojans comeback and the Admirals offense ran out the clock to end the game.
Both Sides play again next week with the Trojans at home to the Saints in a game they will have to win to qualify for the playoffs. The Admirals travel to South division opponents Dublin Dragons for their first meeting this season.
Final Score 25-8
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter: ADM Stephen Forde 20 yard reception from John Kenny; Niall O’Brien 1xpt
2nd Quarter: ADM Stephen Forde 45 yard reception from David Lomasney
3rd Quarter: TRO RB#39 5 yard run; 2xpt
4th Quarter: ADM Matteusz Czop 50 yard Interception return
4th Quarter: ADM Jason Dowling 2 yard run