Vikings beat Knights in thriller (Video Highlights)

Scoring

Q1
3-0 Vikings: FG.
Q2
3-7 Knights: Trevor Gibson, 13 yard reception from Adam Devenney. PAT good (Paul McKillop).
3-14 Knights: Chris Carson, 40 yard fumble recovery return. PAT good (Paul McKillop).
9-14 Vikings:, Adrian Garvey, 27 yard reception from Liam Ryan.
Q3
16-14 Vikings: Brendan McCarthy, 50 yard reception from Liam Ryan. PAT good (Glen Carr).

Video Highlights

Game Photos

All photos by Jonathan Beattie
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Game Report

Game Report by Carrickfergus Knights

The Shamrock Bowl hat-trick winning Limerick Vikings took the long trip, the length of the island, to Carrick on Sunday past in a game that, perhaps, had more of an intense build up than most.

The last time the two sides met was overshadowed by a freak injury that shook emotions on both sidelines and sent ripples through the entire IAFL, so, without doubt, it was an immense pleasure to see Honorary Captain, Gary ‘Potter’ McElkerney lead his Knights team onto the field for the coin toss. This was followed by a minute’s silence for Captain Larry McDonald ret. of the Philadelphia Fire Dept, who had been a close friend to the UL Vikings in recent years.

The Vikings took the ball to open the game with a blazing 22 yard run on first down but couldn’t gain a single inch thereafter and were forced to kick away possession. The punt found its way down inside the Knights 10 and rolled out of bounds pinning Carrick on their own 1 yard line. The home side couldn’t find any space and went three and out, punting the ball back to Limerick with decent field position. Again the visitors met a solid wall on defense, not giving up a single yard but the short field gave opportunity and success to their highly regarded kicking game. 3-0 Vikings.

Both teams traded punts once more before the Knights began finding room and moving the chains behind the stubborn running of #22, John Wright, nearing the end of the first period. Two plays into the second quarter #14, Adam Devenney found TE, Trevor Gibson across the middle with a pass he turned up field and in for a 13 yard score. It was a 7-3 Knights lead after #86 Paul McKillop converted the extra point.

On the next down for Limerick after the kick off, the Knights #51, Gareth Millar stripped the ball loose and a heads up response from safety Chris Davidson got it back for the home boys. Carrick were moving on offence once more, driving 34 yards until a third down pass was picked off by Vikings safety #43 Michael Guinane.

Yet again the two teams traded punts and on their next possession Limerick fumbled, once more caused by the insatiable #51 Gareth Millar on his way to claiming a sack. This time the ball was picked up by LB Chris Carson who returned it all the way for a score and with the extra point tacked on by kicker Paul McKillop the Knights extended their lead to 14-3.

The Vikings brought the following kick off out to their 35 yard line and scored two plays later but missing the PAT made it 14-9 in favour of Carrick who burned off a couple of big runs before the 20 point second quarter came to an end.

The Knights came out cold after the halftime break and were forced to kick only to regain possession two plays later with #32 Chris Davidson bagging an interception with a ten yard return. The Vikings Defense held up the Carrick O and forced another punt and found themselves in the end-zone three plays after taking over. With the extra point the Vikings retook the lead mid-way through the third period.

On the next drive the Vikings claimed another pick, from #23 Craig Brouder, and seemed more determined moving the ball, momentum now with them. They drove down inside the 5 yard line but were denied by a resolute Carrick Defense and, failing to score on a 4th down, the Knights took over backed up on their own goal-line. Turnovers continued to plague the Carrick Offence however, as a fumble was recovered by Limerick’s #55 Mark Gaffney 1 yard out. Carrick’s Defence remained unwavering as again and again they refused the Vikings access to the end-zone making a second goal-line stand in a matter of minutes, #53 Darren Montgomery halting the 4th down attempt for no gain.

Punts were traded as time in the fourth faded meaning Carrick got the ball back, finding themselves in gear running behind HB John Wright and with #88 Trevor Gibson making a great grab for 10 yards. But hope fell short on an incomplete 4th down pass. The visiting Vikings got the ball back and kneeled out the clock.

The hard fought, bruising encounter could only be emphasized by the spectacular performances of both Knights MVPs on the day, TE Trevor Gibson and LB Chris Carson.

The Vikings awarded their game MVP to QB Liam Ryan.