Knights Dominate Cowboys in Mud, Wind and Snow The temperature hovered around zero, players were caked in mud, and there was even a freak 3rd quarter snow storm; was this Lambeau Field or Carrick Rugby Grounds? The game had all of the atmosphere of an NFL Playoff game including many devout fans who braved the weather and cheered on the Knights until the final whistle. This game was between the two longest running clubs in Ireland and North Division rivals. The visiting Craigavon Cowboys were confident that this year they had enough to win in Carrick, but the Knights were determined to make a statement to the league at the expense of their rival. And a statement they made, dominating in every facet of the game, striding to a 20-0 victory.
The Knights were paced on the ground by first year players Stephen Kelly and Niall O’Hara, but turned to veterans Darren Montgomery and Spencer McDowell to punch it into the endzone for two touchdowns and one touchdown respectively. O’Hara added two extra points in a brilliant effort but it was Montgomery and Kelly who shared Offensive MVP honours for the game. It would be easy to focus on the success of the Knight’s Offense but it was the Defense that once again set the tone, shutting down the Cowboy attack on their opening drive. The Defensive Line spent most of their day in the Cowboys’ backfield trying to contain the running game of Peter Loughran. Although Loughran had a few big gains, he and the Cowboy Offense spent most of the day in their own half frustrated by Knights’ Defense. With their run game halted, the Cowboys turned to their passing game and connected, but unfortunately for them, Loughran connected with the Knight’s Chris Davidson who, up to his old antics, snagged a big interception earning the game’s Defensive MVP honour.
The Knights seem to have returned to form but they will need that and more when they host the Dublin Rebels on Sunday, 24th March. The Rebels have won the All Ireland title, the Shamrock Bowl, more times than any other club and stole a last second victory on their visit to Carrick in 2012. The Knights will be ready and once again want to invite the community down to the Carrick Rugby Club for Food, Fun and (American) Football on Sunday 24th March; kick-off will be at 1pm.
The Knights would like to thank Carrickfergus Mayor, Billy Ashe, for his presence at Sunday’s game and for his office’s generous sponsorship of the game ball. The Knights are also greatly appreciative of the hospitality and support from the Carrick Rugby Club, particularly the Kitchen and Ground crew.