It was a big weekend in the race for the playoffs in IAFL1 as the Wexford Eagles were looking to move to 6-0 while the Donegal/Derry Vipers were hoping to clinch a playoff spot with an away win over the Meath Bulldogs.
With expectations high as they arrived Naas Sports Centre, the Eagles didn’t disappoint as they ran out 24-0 winners over the Cill Dara Crusaders. Two Touchdowns from Darren Greene and one from Sam Doran helped the Wexford team to victory. Their defence was outstanding throughout, even adding to the scoreline with a safety.
Wexford Eagles Head Coach Kevin Klatt was thrilled with the win, and had high praise for his defense after the game. He said, “Yeah, we’re happy to get to 6-0. The game itself was played in the best atmosphere, really hard-hitting but totally sportsmanlike. Our outstanding performers would have been the entire defence (I couldn’t actually single out any one of the players). Our offense showed great character too, given that we lost our Quarterback early in the second quarter and had to move Darren Greene into that position, which unfortunately negated a lot of our game plan. The Crusaders showed class and determination; we expected nothing less, and they didn’t disappoint. Now, we have to assess our injuries and get ready for the Westmeath Minotaurs, who have come on in leaps and bounds since the start of the season.”
The Minotaurs themselves ran out comfortable 26-0 winners in Galway against the Warriors, as they won their third straight game.
In a tight first quarter the Minotaurs took the lead with a Touchdown from Dean Core, following a 13-yard throw from quarterback Dermot Corroon.
The Warriors tried mightily to get back on terms but the Minotaurs running game was on fire, grinding out the tough yards, as they wore the Warriors defense down.
You can view all 4 Minotaurs Touchdown here;
Check out all 3 @MgarMinotaurs Touchdowns from today’s win over the @GalwayWarriors #AmericanFootballIreland #wearegrowing @MidlandsSport @westmeathindo @AFIReview pic.twitter.com/XJVfcRYJzO
— American Football Ireland (@a_f_ireland) June 17, 2018
Oops, forgot this one! pic.twitter.com/TwRRQLlumm
— American Football Ireland (@a_f_ireland) June 17, 2018
Niall Corcoran and Joe Kinahan also ran in two touchdowns behind a fierce Minotaurs offensive line, while Jack Lynch also combined with Corroon for a Touchdown. Lynch added an interception on defense.
Jason McBride caused havoc all day in the Warriors back-field with some massive hits which led to another shutout for the Minotaurs. They now move onto a 4-2 record on the season and have the playoffs in their sights.
We got reaction from both Head Coaches after the game. Click here to listen via ITunes, or here to listen on castbox.
The Donegal/Derry Vipers clinched both the IAFL1 North title and a playoff spot with their 20-0 win over the Meath Bulldogs. Touchdowns by Ryan Brolly, with a catch, along with rushing Touchdowns from Peter Farrell and quarterback Danny Mullan gave the Vipers the victory. It was Farrell’s first ever Touchdown for the Vipers, as the regular defensive tackle stepped in at running-back to score on his first snap.
In the Alumni game between the Craigavon Cowboys and the NI Razorbacks the Cowboys were comprehensive 47-6 winners at the People’s Park in Portadown.
The Cowboys came out all guns blazing from the off, something the Razorbacks just couldn’t contend with on the day.
In an interesting side-note the Cowboys fielded a father and son combo on Sunday, ironically on Fathers Day, as both Scott and Ivan Chapman suited up.
The Cowboys had seven Touchdowns on the day, as quarterback Christian Cowan had four Touchdown passes to Luis Alberto (2), Conrad Smith and Jonny Doyle-Martin. Dylan Flanagan and Andy Herron both rushed for Touchdowns, while Ben Fallon also threw a Touchdown pass to Conrad Smith. Their defense also got in on the scoring act with a safety for David McMichael. For the Razorbacks, they managed to get the ball moving late in the game and scored a consolation Touchdown after a great 50-yard run from Aaron Tedford.
Cowboys Head Coach Greg Loughran told us that he was concerned about his sides momentum heading into the game so was very pleased with the outcome. Loughran said, “Going into the game against the Razorbacks, we were concerned that we had lost our momentum on the season.”
“Following a bright start to the season we had lost key games, but we have been getting players back from injury and work commitments, so we needed to get on track and start well against the Razorbacks to get our confidence back.”
“We had worked hard on our blocking schemes in our last practise sessions and it paid off, with big gains on the ground from Andy Herron and a four play drive ended with a Touchdown completion to Luis Alberto from Christian Cowan from 30yds out.”
“The following kick off was recovered close to the opposition’s end zone and Dylan Flanagan punched in for the score.”
“We had our starting Offensive line back and guys for rotation which allowed us to be a little creative in our play calling. The game was played in a great spirit and the officials kept the game flowing.”
“Credit must also go to the Razorbacks who didn’t quit and scored in the 4th quarter.”
The Cowboys stars for the day were Andy Herron, Luis Alberto and Conrad Smith on Offense and Jason Duddy, Scott Chapman and David McMichael on defense.
Picture Credits: Westmeath Minotaurs, Eamon McCormick, Gerard Mulreaney, Wexford Eagles