Three tiers of American football awaits in the Irish Leagues this weekend!
Shamrock Bowl Conference
Dublin Rebels vs. Dublin Dragons
The 3-0 Rebels host the 1-1 Dragons in a Dublin-derby that means a lot to both of these teams. The Dragons will be looking at the schedule ahead of them and keeping an eye on the other teams around them with apprehension. The year ahead is tough now, with a rematch against the Rebels, the Trojans and the Vikings still to go. The games against the Carrickfergus Knights and Craigavon Cowboys will be crucial. But first up they face the Rebels.
Last year’s Shamrock Bowl finalists will be looking to go 4-0 and take the top of the SBC North in the absence of a Belfast Trojan game this weekend. With the likes of Andrew Dennehy, Simon Mackey, Paul Grogan and a young but talented receiver corps on offence they should have more than enough to break down the Dragons’ defence. We’ve still not seen the Rebels hit what we’d consider to be their top gear yet but they’re 3-0 and that’s what counts.
West Dublin Rhinos vs. Craigavon Cowboys
Well what a game this could be. Both teams are without a win so whoever grabs it here could be looking for more than just a first W of the season but some comfort away from that feared relegation spot.
The Cowboys were demolished last time out by the Belfast Trojans, losing several of their players to injury, players that they’ll hope will be back to full fitness for this game.
The Rhinos are displaying their usual prominence on defence, having played two difficult games so far, against Trinity and the UL Vikings. However they’re displaying their usual difficulty on offence too, scoring just one touchdown in those two games. Should they put some points on the board in this game though, you’d have to fancy them to take the win with their defensive capabilities, but can they put the necessary points on the board?
IAFL-1
UCD vs. Drogheda Lightning
UCD suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat last time out, to the Meath Bulldogs, and will be eager to get back on to winning ways. The high powered offence that we saw in the first two games came to a stuttering stop but you should fully expect to see quarterback Dave Murphy and the receiving corps, including Paul Geraghty, who is having a great season thus far, putting points on the board in this one.
Drogheda had a difficult start to the year, going down 8-14 to the Mullingar Minotaurs at home in week one. They’ll want to put that result behind them and crack on with the season but it’s going to be difficult to topple UCD, especially away from home.
IAFL-2
Tyrone Titans vs. Galway Warriors
The first competitive games for two newbies! That’s an exciting prospect. I bet coaches and players on both sides are absolutely pumped for this match-up.
The Titans have experience throughout their squad, with the likes of Kyle McAneny and Ryan Brolly coming over from the Craigavon Cowboys whilst Galway have a big, strong squad.
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