University College, Dublin at Craigavon Cowboys
Game Report
Game Report by the Craigavon Cowboys
Following the defeat at the hands of the Carrickfergus Knights, the Craigavon Cowboys were determined to bounce back against the visiting UCD Sentinels who had narrowly defeated them in their game in Dublin last year.
Receiving the ball, the Cowboys steadily advanced downfield but a number of penalties and small mistakes forced a turnover and UCD took the ball. Four plays later, the normally dependable Cowboys defense were stunned when Sentinels quarterback, #15 Colin O’Meara, tossed an option to Darragh Mooney, who broke a tackle and jinked his way into the endzone for the first score of the game, though the extra point was missed and score was 6-0.
Taking the ball again, the Cowboys offense found their power running game with the crucial blocks coming from #79 Guard, Paul Braniff, returned from injury, and #76 Tackle, Chris Cinnamond and Centre #63 Manny Bell. The scoring play came from #34, John Murray, who followed #40 Bobby Murray into the end zone and kicker #17, Sane Bell, put the home team up by one by converting the extra point.
This was how the half ended but the tide had truely turned with the Cowboys defense dominating anything that the Sentinels could conjour up and the home team offense able to gain steady yards, while occasionally sparks flew when quarterback #2, Detroit native, Chris Bondi hurled the ball deep for receivers #33 Conal Walsh and #33 Keelan Walsh to latch onto.
Following the restart, and with the Cowboys defense in defiant mood, the Dublin visitors constantly had to turn the ball over due to sacks by #72 Marty Devlin and #58 Chris Bell, while Boston import, #39 Martini Lach covered everything deep from his Safety position.
A 30 yard pass from Bondi to Tight End, #5 Michael McGregor put the ball on the five yard line and even though the ball was put into the endzone twice and marched back again for silly penalties, Bobby Murray still managed to carry in for a score and a 13-6 lead.
By the fourth quarter UCD were a spent force and another touchdown from John Murray made the final score 19-6.
This puts the Cowboys on a record of 3 wins and 3 defeats but they still have a chance of a wildcard spot if they can win their next two game against the Belfast Trojans.
The Superfry MVP trophy went to #58 Chris Bell who had 4 sacks and 5 tackles for losses.
The Cowboys will play a friendly against the Tullamore Phoenix at Brownlow Sports Campus on Sunday at 1pm.
The Cowboys are also seeking Youth players from 15-18 for their new Youth team. Contact cowboys@americanfootball.ie.