Shamrock Bowl Conference
Craigavon Cowboys vs. Dublin Rebels
The Craigavon Cowboys had a difficult start to the 2014 campaign with three losses to the top two teams in our Power Rankings before they managed to come away from Castleknock with a win against the West Dublin Rhinos last time out. Whilst that will release some pressure and have confidence high in the Craigavon camp, they are now heading back into the fire as they welcome a Dublin Rebels side looking to head back to the SBC North.
The home side will want to grind out another win here and further ease their relegation worries, but it will be easier said than done when facing an offence featuring a veteran quarterback like Andrew Dennehy and weapons such as Chris Purdy, Paul Grogan and Simon Mackey, amongst others.
The Rebels will be favourites for sure but this Cowboys team has a reputation of being hard working and never giving up. Could we see an upset?
Waterford Wolves vs. North Kildare Reapers
A rematch of a game from earlier in the season, this matchup is becoming quite the rivalry! It’s also a game that Waterford can’t afford to lose, if they’re going to avoid the dreaded relegation.
The Reapers won the earlier match, coming out 13-0 victors in North Kildare, but can they do so again? They have a large, talented roster and key off-season acquisitions have made them a stronger team. However they were knocked back down to earth somewhat last time out as they suffered a 49-0 loss to a UL Vikings side that clicked on the day. That isn’t to take away from the clear progress the Reapers have made though. Their coaches have the experience and their players have the talent to take this team far, and a playoff berth is not beyond their abilities.
The Wolves are suffering though. With a small squad and injuries on top of that the Waterford side are still awaiting their first win of the year. Can they do it in front of the crowds at the RSC? To do so they will have to do a better job of protecting quarterback Eoin Reinhardt, who has been knocked out of two of their three games thus far. Keep him upright and they have every chance of challenging the North Kildare Reapers and getting revenge, and potentially a W.
IAFL-1
Drogheda Lightning vs. Cork Admirals
Well this could be an intriguing match. The Drogheda Lightning are suffering with a small roster and are yet to win this season whilst the Cork Admirals are full of surprises, having turned round a 53-0 loss on opening day to UCD to win 20-8 against the Meath Bulldogs.
But that victory was at home. Can Cork travel well? It’s a long journey to Drogheda, and Cork’s squad isn’t the biggest. However their offence is full of talent, with quarterback Stephen Hayes, receiver Nick Coffi and running back Shane Cullinan all dangerous in terms of their ability to put points on the board. Their home form this year could be critical to their success but an away win or two would be sure to turn the doubters.
The Lightning however need a win. The loss against Mullingar on the opening day must have hurt but the 61-0 destruction by UCD will have them wanting a victory badly now. It’ll be difficult, made even more so as on-field general Mick O’Shea is banned for the game due to his ejection in the last match.
IAFL-2
Galway Warriors vs. South Kildare Soldiers
The South Kildare Soldiers make the long journey to Galway to play the first ever competitive game of American football in the city.
Both of these teams are 0-1, with the Warriors losing to the Tyrone Titans and the Soldiers missing out to the Dundalk Mavericks first time out.
The away side probably has the most experience, with the team taking several forms in a nomadic existence over the last few years, and with several of their players heavily involved with flag football and even representing Ireland in the European Flag Football Championships last Summer. Their Head Coach, Ken Farrell, has the experience too. Can he mastermind a first win for the South Kildare team?
It won’t be easy. The Warriors have talent and the guys to pick up a victory. Their offensive line in particular has some big guys on it, though a lack of numbers could see them tire quickly, as they did against the Tyrone Titans.
This should be a fine game, and one worth making the journey out to beautiful Galway to see.
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