VIKINGS WIN SHAMROCK BOWL IN OVERTIME
Last modified on 2010-02-19 12:03:06 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Shamrock Bowl XXIII MVP Adrian Garvey #36 breaks free on TD run
The UL Vikings faced the Dublin Rebels in a rematch of last years Shamrock Bowl and the game proved to be another close fought and entertaining spectacle. It took place in Cooke RFC in Belfast in front of a large crowd from all over the country. The Dublin Rebels had the better run of form this year, handing the Vikings their only defeat of the year early in the season in Limerick. The two sides also played out an intense 14-14 draw in the return leg in Dublin. The third meeting of the teams would prove to be the most dramatic and entertaining.
Rebels Sam Hodgins #8 takes a handoff
After the pre-game ceremonies were completed the Rebels won the coin toss and elected to defer so the Vikings recieved and Brendan McCarthy took UL out to the 30 yard line. It must be said that both teams special teams units performed extremely well on the day and field position was the key of the game. On the Vikings first drive Ross McCooey pressured Vikings Quarterback Liam Ryan and disrupted a number of plays, forcing the Vikings into a 3 and out. The Vikings kicker, Daniel Smith, pinned the Rebels back deep in their half. The game was a cagey affair with both teams unwilling to risk turnovers. The Rebels moved the ball with short passes from QB Andy Dennehy to his recievers Barry Flinn and Mike Kresowaty. The Vikings secondary did well to corral the receivers once the catch was made to ensure no extra yards were gained. When the Vikings were on Offense the ball remained predominantly on the ground with backs Adrian Garvey, James Twomey and Jim Davis picking up solid yards behind the blocking of the Vikings O-line. At the end of the first quarter the teams remained scoreless.
Vikings QB Liam Ryan #17 tries to outrun Rebels LB Kevin Healy #43.
Early in the second quarter the running game of the Rebels kicked into gear with former Vienna Viking, Florian Heiss and Sam Hodgins picking good running lanes. Hodgins eventually broke one run through the Vikings D and put the Rebels ahead 6-0. Vikings Middle Linebacker Jim Davis blocked the extra point attempt. The Vikings then took over on Offense and drove down the pitch with a number of aggressive runs, one block by TE Marc Ashworth in particular showing the sheer physicality of the game. Adrian Garvey punched the ball in from 11 yards out with an excellent second effort. The extra point snap was bobbled and the teams went in at the half tied at 6-6.
Vikings JP Nerbun #12 tackles Rebels Florian Hess #23.
The third and fourth quarters were dominated by intense physical battles on both sides of the ball as neither team was willing to give an inch. Jim Davis, Brendan McCarthy and Glen Carr stuffed run after run by the Rebels while Ross McCooey, Brian Carter and Andy Flynn replicated for the Dublin side. Carter and JP Nerbun had two interceptions each as each team started to open up their offense as the game progressed. Each team also missed field goals that would have won the game for either side.
Rebels TE Paul Smyth #94 is tackled after making a catch.
Heading into the fourth quarter the Vikings began to find running room, breaking off some big runs and hitting long passes only to be repeatedly called back for penalties which killed off drive after drive. The Rebels skillfully defended the long pitch and kept the Vikings from breaking the big play that would have clinched the game. As the 4th quarter winded down Danny Smith punted for the Vikings and the ball was downed on the Rebels 1 yard line. The Vikings D, smelling blood, sent the house at the Rebels who manfully got their noses out of the danger zone and ensured the game went to overtime with two strong runs by Florian Heiss.
Full house at Cooke Rugby Club for Shamrock Bowl XXIII
The rules for IAFL overtime are the NFL sudden death rules. Basically whichever team scores first wins the game. This added even more tension and drama to an already amazing game. The Rebels won the second coin toss and elected to recieve. Kresowaty was shut down again on the return, this time John Mullen living up to his Rookie of the Year status with a crunching hit. Dennehy took the ball on his 25 yard line and went to the air. On one pass JP Nerbun stepped in front of the short route and picked the ball off to give the Vikings a chance at victory. A couple of Adrian Garvey runs put the Vikings into field goal range and Danny Smith stepped up to kick the 33 yard field goal to give the Vikings the victory.
The game MVP went to a deserving Adrian Garvey who had over 100 yards on the ground against a talented and physical Rebels Defence. The Rebels and Vikings should be proud of the level of football on display in the Shamrock Bowl, showing that Ireland has plenty of young footballing talent. The future is bright for the sport in the country.
Shamrock Bowl Play Off: Dublin Rebels Vs D.C.U. Saints
Last modified on 2009-08-27 18:45:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Dublin Rebels 38 – 00 D.C.U. Saints
6 weeks and a trip to the Atlantic Cup final in Belgium after their final regular season game, the Rebels faced off against the DCU Saints once more, this time with a Shamrock Bowl berth on the line. The previous fixture had been a tepid one. With the Saints more concerned with their looming playoff decider against the Cork Admirals and the Rebels keeping one eye on Brussels, the contest lacked the usual crackle and wham of a derby Sunday in Santry. Far more was expected of this semi-final showdown.
Playing in their first Shamrock Bowl semi-final, DCU were clear underdogs against the more experienced Rebels, but the students’ progress throughout the season, culminating in their victory over Cork, had more than one pair of eyebrows dancing as kick-off approached.
It was Canadian speedster Mike Kresowaty who would furrow those hopeful brows early on, outrunning the Saints punt team and giving the home team a 6-0 lead before the Rebels offence had even taken the field. It was a crushing blow for the Saints and spectators alike, as the game never regained a truly competitive edge.
The Rebels extended their lead when TB Sam Hodgins capped an exclusively ground-focused drive, bouncing to the outside and cantering into the end zone. Then, introducing the passing game slowly but surely, QB Andy Dennehy drove the Rebels almost out of reach in the 2nd quarter, connecting with Singer-Songwriter Paul Grogan in the flats for a 19-0 lead going into the 2nd half. It was by no means perfect, but always comfortable for the home team.
The game continued in a similar, somewhat deflated fashion. The Saints offence, led by QB Conor Buggle and RB Dave McMahon, picked up bits of yardage but nothing substantial. Indeed, it was the Rebels defense that looked more likely to score when the Saints had possession. Both CB Eoin Daly and LB Kevin Healy recorded interceptions and threatened to score on the respective returns, but instead teed Dennehy and co. up with a short field. Hodgins was the man to benefit most, collecting two more touchdowns and in the process going past 10 touchdowns for the year for the 5th consecutive season. TE Paul Smyth also put some points on the board, after a play-fake to Hodgins left him unaccounted for in the end zone.
On defense, the Rebels continued to stuff every Saints attack, as the increasingly ambitious Buggle lingered in the pocket looking for a big play, but was more often than not harassed into incomplete passes and forced to take sacks. On offense, the Rebels should have added to their tally, but the stony-handed Barry Flinn at receiver let more than one opportunity go begging. As the game dwindled and the clock ticked down, the Rebels merely preserved their 38-0 lead.
While the game lacked the intensity you might expect from a semi-final, neither team had reason to be disappointed. The Saints can now build on their most successful season to date, while the Rebels move on to face their old foes, the UL Vikings, in Shamrock Bowl XXIII. Having already played out two nerve-jangling regular season games, and with both sides improving every year, the stage is set for a truly mammoth finale.
The Vikings are looking to three-peat, while the Rebels are determined to take back what they believe to be rightfully theirs. There will be no questions about intensity, competitiveness, crackle, or wham.
Roll on Belfast.
Regular Season Draws To A Close
Last modified on 2009-07-20 22:39:44 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Regular Season Draws To A Close
June 15th, 2009
Dublin Rebels 27 – 06 D.C.U Saints
Regular Season Draws To A Close
Date: Sunday, June 14th, 2009
Venue: Sportslink Santry
Report:
With the 1st seed of the playoffs already secured the Dublin Rebels took to the field with a certain amount complacency about them. This complacency would soon be brought back to reality by a DCU team that is fighting to stay in 4th place in the league, the final spot qualifying for the playoffs. With both teams short on numbers due to injury the game was to be a scrappy affair.
The Rebels offence took to the field first and looked to score quickly. With running backs Sam Hodgins, Brian Carter and Florian Heiss out of action it was up to defensive captains Marcus Naylor and Ross McCooey to run the ball for the Rebels. It was Naylor who took to the backfield first and had a somewhat inauspicious start as the offence was forced into a 3 and out by the Saints defenders. The Saints offence didn’t fair much better however as they in turn were forced into a 3 and out. The teams traded another pair of punts before the Rebels began to get things rolling.
Having knocked off some rust on the opening drive, former running back Naylor began to find his feet again. The Rebels offence took to the field after a good DCU punt and systematically drove into DCU territory before the veteran Naylor took a short pass 35 yards untouched for a touchdown. Paul Grogan added the PAT.
The Saints struggled to get much going on offence against the Rebels D until a great burst of speed from running back Dave McMahon gained 20 yards for the visitors. This sparked a rise in the Saints side that was unfortunately doused when an inadvertent whistle from the rookie referee crew caused a TD catch and run to be called back, albeit for a 15 yard penalty against the Rebels. With the Saints fire dampened after the unfortunate whistle the Rebels defence forced the Saints to punt.
The Rebels offence took the field in the second quarter looking for more points, a feat not easy to come by against a spirited DCU defence. However, not one to be outdone by his fellow stand-in running back, McCooey took another short pass from QB Andrew Dennehy and ran it 30 yards behind fantastic blocking by the Rebels O-line before diving into the endzone for a score. Grogan had another opportunity to fine tune his kicking and easily chipped in the PAT.
Up two scores and hungry for more the Rebels D closed down the Saints offence for the remainder of the half as safety Marcus Naylor picked off an errant pass and gave Dennehy and the offence another chance for points before the half. A well run 2 minute drill saw WR Shahin Nikroo make some spectacular catches to preserve time and allow Dennehy to find Grogan for a touchdown right before the half.
To open the second half the Rebels tried to catch the Saints off guard with an impromptu onside kick attempt. After the ball failed to go the required 10 yards the Saints offence took over in excellent field position. Sensing how close they were to a score the Saints promptly marched to the 2 yard line with great catch and run play against a Rebels defence that looked to be still waking up form half time. On the 3 yard line trying to run the ball into the end zone proved ineffective for the Saints. In an attempt to get their opening score the Saints took to the air and sensing pressure from the desperate defenders they attempted a quick pass to the tight end which was read perfectly by Rebels linebacker Bobby ‘Salami’ Smith who intercepted the ball and took a knee for a touchback.
The Saints took over on offence again and in an attempt to salvage some pride took to the air. While under heavy duress Saints QB Geoff Coleman floated a pass in the general vicinity of a Saints WR but the ball was picked off by Rebels DB Eoin ‘Stat’ Daly. Sensing the opportunity for a good return Daly took off but had the ball popped loose from his hands in a tackle, fortunately for him McCooey wasn’t too far away and recovered the ball to maintain Rebels possession. The Rebels took over in the DCU half but were held by the tenacious DCU defence to a field goal attempt by Paul Grogan which drifted left at the last second to deny the Rebels a score off of the turnover.
As the fourth quarter began the teams seemed caught in a defensive stalemate, neither offence was moving the ball effectively and both defences were playing well. After further trading of punts the Rebels offence finally got the ball moving with some clever play calling. Inside the Saints half the Rebels were looking for a spark to get another score, that spark came when the lumbering McCooey took the ball to the outside and cleared a Saints defender with a leap that would be the envy of any ocelot. With that the Rebels finished of the drive with a pass to Nikroo at the 1 yard line before Dennehy took the ball into the endzone himself. Grogan rounded out the Rebels day on offence with a successful PAT.
As the clock began to wind down the Saints offence became desperate. On first down of the following possession Coleman found WR Sam Monson for a 15 yard gain giving hope to the Saints of getting a consolation score. However as before, the Rebels defence held and forced a turnover on downs.
As the Rebels took over on offence again Dennehy took to the air in an attempt to extend the Rebels lead, this plan however backfired on the Rebels. Saints defensive back Scott Mifsud made a fantastic read and jumped Dennehys pass and ran it to the end zone for 6, provoking a somewhat relieved cheer from the DCU sideline. The following attempted PAT was blocked by Rebels DE Ciarán Tighe.
With that the game clock was run out by the Rebels offence and the game came to a close. The Saints now look ahead to their crucial battle with the Cork Admirals which will most likely decide who holds the final playoff spot. Meanwhile, with this result the Rebels finish out the season undefeated with 7 wins and 1 tie. They now look to Brussels where they will face a much more daunting challenge in the inaugural EFAF Atlantic Cup where they will face teams from the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
1st Seed Secured, OOPS They..Did It Again!!!
Last modified on 2009-08-21 00:12:57 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Dublin Rebels 56 – 06 Belfast Trojans
Date: Sunday, June 7th,2009
Venue: Malone R.F.C., Belfast
Report:With the travelling Dublin Rebels seeking to lay claim to the #1 seed for the 2009 IAFL playoffs and the Belfast Trojans simply attempting to make the playoffs, this rematch promised to be a hard hitting battle that would allow the victor to stamp their authority upon their IAFL destiny.
In the previous encounter the game started quite unfortunately for the Trojans, who upon winning the coin toss elected to receive the opening kick off. After a miscommunication between the two return men allowed Rebels Mike Kresowaty to recover the ball in the endzone the Trojans surely wanted to avoid another mishap. Unfortunately for the Trojans, Kresowaty had other plans. Allowing the Rebels to receive the opening kick off, the Trojans took to the field with confidence, sure that another embarrassing mix up could not occur, however as Kresowaty took the ball right down the middle he was able to follow superb blocking by the return team and took the ball all the way back for 6 to open the scoring.
After the now almost traditional Rebels v Trojans match opening of 3 Paul Grogan kicks in a row, the Trojans offence took to the field. With star running back Erin Wagner in the backfield the Trojans attempted to out race the Rebels D to the corner but found only swarms of defenders to wrap up the big man. The stingy Rebels defence forced a 3 and out on the opening drive and with good field position set up by a good return, the Rebels offence finally got on to the field.
With the leagues best and most experienced quarterback in Andrew Dennehy at the helm of this offensive powerhouse it may be expected that the Rebels would take to the air, on the contrary, the Rebels used their powerful O-line and elusive running backs to pound the Trojans defence on the opening drive. This first drive took the Rebels all the way to the house as Florian Heiss torpedoed over the line for a touchdown.
Down two scores already, the Trojan offence came back onto the field with determination. Foregoing the outside run on this drive it was the middle of the Rebels defence that was tested with Wagner and his fullbacks leading the charge. After gaining some promising yards a 3rd down conversion attempt failed and they were forced to punt again as defensive tackles Andrew Flynn and Chris Quinn led from the front with some ferocious play. The Rebels offence took over again and looked to continue their dominance on the ground. The Rebels churned out the yards and got workhorse running back Sam Hodgins into the endzone. On the ensuing PAT the Rebels opted to try for two and failed the conversion, the only missed PAT of the day for the Rebels as Paul Grogan chipped home all other attempts.
The Trojans needed a play, any play that could spark their team and get them back into the game. On the following kick off a brilliant return put the Trojans offence in excellent position in the Rebels half, taking full advantage of this position a pin point pass to Kris Donaghy along the sidelines gave the home side some hope. This hope was delivered a blow as on the attempted two point conversion the big Trojans full back was halted on the 1 by the swarming Rebels defence.
The second quarter saw the Rebels offence go right back to work. The patch work offensive line of the Rebels, anchored by wily veteran centre David Sherwin, fired on all cylinders and worked methodically down the field blowing holes open for Heiss and Hodgins to dart through for big gains on almost every play. With the run game working to almost perfection the Trojans began to creep up into the box, the crafty veteran Dennehy knew exactly what to do. With the Trojans stacking up on the run the path was clear for TD passes to ‘Mr. Utility’, Paul Grogan and Barry Flinn.
With the second quarter drawing to a close and the Trojans unable to move the ball the Rebels defence decided to get in on the scoring. With the Trojans pinned deep after incurring the wrath of the referee, a swarm of Rebels defenders descended upon the Trojans running back in the endzone for a safety, after which the Rebels offence ran the first half clock out.
Receiving the second half kick off and rejuvenated from the break the home team found renewed vigour and fought hard in the second half. Unfortunately this same mentality led to an unfortunate injury to star running back Wagner. While fighting for extra yards on the fringes, as he is known to do as a determined player, an awkward entanglement with multiple defenders resulted in an unfortunate injury which will see Wagner’s season finished.
With an air of tension now encircling the game the Rebels offence slowed the game down and churned out yet more yards on the ground. Hodgins got back into the endzone from 8 yards for the 3rd quarters only score.
With tension high and fire in the eyes of the Trojan team, the 4th quarter didn’t produce much offence from either team. With the game safely put away and the Rebels 1st seed locked in, Barry Flinn took over for Dennehy at QB with limited success. However, sparks did fly and points were scored as special team’s ace Kresowaty was back returning punts. Not only did he take a punt back 50 yards for a touchdown, he did so again with a 55 yard encore bringing his tally of special teams touchdowns for the day to 3.
As the clock rolled down on the dramatic events that unfolded on the field the victorious Rebels celebrated securing the 1st playoff seed while the defeated Trojans were left to figure out how they can push for the playoffs. The Rebels return home next week to face the DCU Saints, another team in contention for the playoffs and who will be hungry for a fight!!.
DUBLIN REBELS 47 – 00 WEST DUBLIN RHINOS
Last modified on 2009-08-21 00:14:26 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Rhino Hunters
Date:Sunday, May 24,2009
Venue: Sportslink Santry
The visiting Rebels took to their own field to face the Rhinos on Sunday after a late fixture re-shuffle, and did so with what Rebels manager Fergal O’ Hanlon branded ‘The Punishment Squad.’ His eyes glinting and his whip cracking, O’ Hanlon dressed his team down thoroughly before the game, following a poorly attended preparatory training session. Starting spots were surrendered for the day, with opportunities offered up to some of the younger and newer Rebels. Rookie MLB Kevin Healy was one such benefactor, recording his first career interception and returning it for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter.
The Rebels reached further into their depth chart early on when LT Gar McDonald went down on the game’s first series, with defensive standouts Steve Walsh and Ross McCooey being called in to fill the bear-shaped hole beside LG Tobias Hansson. With TB Brian Carter carrying the load, the Rebels progressed methodically up the field, with QB Andy Dennehy finishing the drive off with a sneak into the End Zone. Despite an outstanding snap from TE Fionn Kelly, the PAT from Kicker Paul Grogan rattled both posts, but wasn’t converted.
The Rhinos struggled to move the ball on their first possession, and indeed, for the entire game, as the Rebels defense kept the home team from recording a single first down. The penetration excellence of Defensive Tackles Andrew Flynn and Chris Quinn was clear and evident from the first play and with no way through the middle and having the outside routes blocked by the punishment from the Defensive Ends, Linebackers, Corners and Safety alike, it was easy to see the Rhinos had nowhere to go but down, and usually with the full defensive line on them…
Meanwhile, the Rebels offence stalled somewhat, before losing Carter for the day to injury. With regular backs Sam Hodgins and Flo Hiess unavailable due to personal reasons, feisty veteran Marcus Naylor lined up in their place and stretched the Rebels’ lead, going in off a screen pass from Dennehy.
With the Rhinos causing problems on defence, it took a few drives before the Rebels extended their lead, with Dennehy hitting WR Barry Flinn deep down the middle of the field for a touchdown late in the 2nd quarter. Naylor brought the ball in for the 2xpt, making it a 20-point game at the half.
In the 2nd half the Rebels D moved from simply stopping the Rhinos offence to an outright onslaught, with a number of sacks coming from along the defensive line. After Healy’s interception return, CB Eoin Daly followed suit, recovering a fumble, and then recovering his own fumble, for 6 points. He also snatched an interception from Rhinos QB Stephen Macken. With an unassailable lead, more Rebels rookies entered the field, in particular the horde of Wide Receivers, as Dennehy began to attack more through the air. James Feeley caught his first career pass, and fellow rookie wideout Andrew Corcoran came close to hauling in a TD when a flushed Dennehy hurled one his way. WR Mike Kresowaty and TE Paul Smyth did manage to get into the End Zone, with Kresowaty making 3 Rhinos miss and Smyth cradling a ball in the back corner.
Late in the game, Flinn went in at QB and Kresowaty had another TD called back for an offensive pass interference penalty. Though the Rebels pressed, more penalties ultimately pegged them back, and the game finished at 47-0. With the regular season beginning to come to an end, the Rebels next travel to Belfast on the hunt for the number 1 seed in the playoffs, as well as valuable preparation for the Atlantic Cup at the end of June.
Dublin Rebels 47 – 7 Belfast Trojans….. OOPS!!
Last modified on 2009-08-21 00:16:40 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Date:Sunday, May 10,2009
Venue: Sportslink Santry
REPORT:
OOPS!!
The Belfast Trojans won the toss and elected to receive. Dublin Rebels Kicker Paul Grogan hammered the ball deep down the middle of the field. The ball bisected the returners, causing some confusion among them and sprouting up inside the End Zone. Before a Trojan could react, Rebels gunner Mike Kresowaty had recovered the ball for a touchdown. Grogan tacked on the extra point for an immediate 7-0 lead. Jogging back to the sidelines following his holding duties, QB Andy Dennehy was heard to remark: ‘I’m not even happy about that – it’s just such a ridiculous start to a game.’
Ridiculous it was, and in many ways, unfortunate. The two teams are used to much closer games than that which unfolded on Sunday, with the home team eventually running out winners 47-6. The win was deserved, as the travelling Trojans struggled increasingly as the game wore on, but such an early momentum shift gave the Rebels an advantage that surely exaggerates the usual difference between the sides.
That being said, the Rebels dominated on both sides of the ball. TBs Samuel Hodgins and Flo Hiess gained yardage on the ground consistently throughout, with Hodgins racking up 2 TDs with his legs. He collected another through the air, taking a screen pass from Dennehy and bringing it over 40 yards to the house. He now has 6 on the year, but rumblings of a desire to add a D’ to his first name are rumored to be causing some distraction inside Rebels camp.
Dennehy went on to finish the day with another TD pass to WR Barry Flinn, before benching himself for multi-purpose OLB/WR/TB/QB Brian Carter. After an excellent performance containing the Trojans’ outside runs and stretching the Trojan defense, Carter connected with Kresowaty for a 25 yard TD, before adding another on the ground, slicing through the Trojan defense with ease. He’s American see. Flinn would also see some time at QB, looking altogether less threatening on a 2 and a half yard lumber toward the sidelines, but taking snaps comfortably and only fumbling one hand-off, to Carter.
On defense, the Rebels were even more impressive. Without stand-out MLB Ross McCooey, Steve Walsh moved from DE to take his place, and was just as dominant a force. In place of Walsh, Ciaran Tighe had his first start of the year, adding might to the pass rush and finishing with 3 quarterback hurries and half a sack. His efforts were made a lot easier by the performance of DT Andy Flynn beside him. With the help of his incredible 33 inch arms and high-octane motor, he spent most of the afternoon in the backfield. And with this relentless pressure, it was CB Eoin Daly who benefited the most, piling up 3 interceptions despite having only 12 inch arms!!.
All told, it was always the Rebels’ day. The Trojans wore down, but the current league leaders would be foolish to expect a similar game in the return fixture. With the travel arrangements reversed, and, in all likelihood, a less bizarre opening kick-off, the Belfast team will likely be far more dangerous. The Rebels, however, must first pay a visit to Castleknock College this Sunday at 2pm to take on the West Dublin Rhinos, confident of keeping their unbeaten streak alive.
Dublin Rebels 14 – 14 Univ of Limerick Vikings
Last modified on 2009-08-21 00:17:13 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Date:Sunday, April 26,2009
Venue: Sportslink Santry
REPORT:
Ankles! Are you ready?!
The UL Vikings warm-up is one of searing intensity. Loud, disciplined and just a touch peculiar, it more than gets the message across that a serious game of football is coming. On Sunday, the message was never clearer.
With the teams in disagreement over where the dividing line should be drawn for stretching and the sort, tempers flared as the opponents bounced into one another with varying levels of purpose. Terms like ‘respect’, ‘our house’ and ‘the Rebel pound’ were thrown around by some, tempered with an equal measure of ‘focus’ and ‘concentration’ by others. The exchange stayed under the surface, never materializing much beyond name-calling, but the tone had certainly been set.
Both teams held fresh memories of recent losses to the other – the Rebels’ loss coming in last year’s Shamrock Bowl and the Vikes on the back of a 12-7 home defeat to the Dubliners earlier in the month. With the rivalry gaining in ferocity with every new matchup, there was everything to play for.
Neither team could manage to stamp their authority fully early on, but it was the visitors who took the lead in the first quarter. Inside the Rebels 5 yard line, and under pressure from the Rebels defensive line, Limerick QB Liam Ryan was forced out of the pocket. Rolling to his right he threw on the move and found WR Mark Ashworth in the corner of the endzone. Ahead 7-0, the Rebels found themselves trailing in a game for the first time this season, but they responded well.
With some help from the sculpted legs of TB Sam Hodgins, QB Andy Dennehy marshaled his offence down the field in just 3 plays, equalizing with a 25 yard connection to WR Brian Carter. However, neither team could separate from the other for the rest of the first half, with the Rebels perhaps having the best chance to do so. Following a dubious offensive pass interference call from the seasoned official Steve Stacher, Dennehy thought he had connected with WR Barry Flinn for the go-ahead score. Somehow, the receiver let the ball out of his grasp, and the teams went into half time all square.
The Rebels were not discouraged however, going back to the air early in the 3rd quarter. This time, Flinn managed to hang on to Dennehy’s lofted pass for a 30 yard touchdown, again on just the 3rd play of the drive. At 14-7, the Rebels seemed to have regained control of the contest. The defending champs were never going to lie down though, and came straight back at the Rebels defence, with Adrian Garvey tying the game back up with a 2 yard touchdown run.
The Rebels were closest to breaking the deadlock when Kicker Paul Grogan attempted a 40 yard field goal later in the 3rd quarter. He struck it sweetly. The ball dangled teasingly in mid-air, the sidelined Rebels (may have) ventured curiously out of the confines of ‘the box’, the spectator gasped… but the ball plopped harmlessly against the post, preserving the tie.
Both defences held strong in the 4th quarter, with JP Nerburn finishing off the Rebels’ final drive with a timely interception in the endzone, after the home team had driven 60 yards in less than 2 minutes. When the final whistle blew, the atmosphere was strangely flat. Neither team seemed particularly happy with the result, something of an anti-climax after the bristling pre-game antics.
Both teams seem to be on a collision course to meet again in this year’s postseason; no doubt the climax will come then!!.
Dublin Rebels 32 – 14 Cork Admirals
Last modified on 2009-07-20 15:02:12 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Date: Sunday April 19th 2009
Venue: CIT, Bishopstown, Co. Cork.
REPORT:
It was a game that started in silence.
As both sides paid their respects to Bobby O’ Hanlon, father of Rebels Manager Fergal, it was clear that the Rebels had travelled south for more than just an addition to the Win column.
From the instant the whistle sounded, there was a determination and focus about the Dublin team that showed they were on a mission. The Rebels are famously managed in a dictatorial brotherhood, and the team’s sons were duty-bound to deliver what they could for their father.
They began to do so instantly as on Corks opening play on offence as OLB Brian Carter intercepted the ball after good pressure up front. This set up the Rebels offence for their first possession inside Admirals territory. With the sun shining, and a glint in QB Andy Dennehy’s eye, the Rebels attacked through the air from the start. Dennehy successfully connected with a number of his receivers; Carter, tight end Paul Smyth, kicker Paul Grogan, before the opening drive culminated in a touchdown pass to WR Barry Flinn in the corner of the endzone.
The Admirals tried again to get their offense kick-started, but found themselves victim to the opportunistic Rebels Defence. Again, Carter snagged an errant pass, bringing this interception all the way back to the house, giving the Rebels an early 12-0 lead.
Late in the 2nd quarter, and trailing, Cork gambled on 4th down and attempted a long pass down the left sideline. The ball was picked by return specialist Mike Kresowaty who made an acrobatic catch and had plenty of room to run before losing his footing in the soft ground. This set Dennehy’s offense up on the Rebels 2-yard line. Gasping for air, running back Samuel Hodgins fought back to the line of scrimmage but was stripped of the ball by the Cork Defence, who took it into the endzone despite teh Rebels best attempts to prevent it. This brought Cork to within one score and gave a renewed sense of belief in the side.
As easily as the Rebels could have let their heads drop, the teams veteran wile shone through as Dennehy crafted a masterful offensive drive. Early in the 3rd quarter, they re-established a two-score, and not long later a three-score lead, as Carter, rotating with Hodgins at tailback, carried the ball into the endzone on two successive drives.
Both teams exchanged 3-and-outs as both Defences piled on the hits. With good pressure from Steve Walsh and the rest of his D-line the Admirals were pinned in their own red-zone and forced to punt. Failing to take advantage of good field position, the Rebels offence were forced to reciprocate and punt on their next drive.
The Admirals did not give in. Leaning on the experience of FB Alain Pezeron and TB Keith O’ Callaghan in the backfield, their running game helped them move the chains, and stabilised their offense in the process. The Admirals persistence paid off when QB O’ Brien found a wide open Myles Majid who reeled in the ball and raced up the sideline for a score.
It would prove to be a short lived celebration however as the Rebels went back on offense and racked up their 5th and final touchdown of the game. Showing renewed confidence, and a healthy smattering of gumption, Hodgins took hold of the rock and pummelled it back at the Cork defence, finally breaking the plane and capping a resounding victory for last year’s Shamrock Bowl finalists, a tag they are doggedly trying to discard.
With a great deal of work left to be done in the season the Rebels now shift their focus toward a rematch with Shamrockbowl champs, UL Vikings, next week, a match up that is sure to deliver a close and hard fought battle as both teams try to stamp their authority on the league.
Rebels Topple Champions, Limerick Vikings 12-7
Last modified on 2009-08-21 00:17:59 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
UL Vikings 7 – 12 Dublin Rebels
After comfortable victories in their respective openers, the 2008 Shamrock Bowl finalists, the Dublin Rebels and the UL Vikings took to the field again on Sunday. Back in August, UL came out on top 14-12 and so the reigning champions and home team went into the contest as slight favourites.
However, they did so without some key members of that championship team, most notably defensive end Jim Davis and linebacker Alan O’ Carroll. The Rebels too were without some important players, in particular left tackle Sunday O’ Hanlon, prompting some re-shuffling along the offensive line. Rookie Gareth McDonald moved from right tackle to protect quarterback Andy Dennehy’s blindside, with Ross McCooey manfully bookending the line in his place. Further injury to reserve lineman Dave Knight caused further ripples throughout the Rebels squad as semi-retired offensive line coach Shane Campbell re-emerged from a shroud of red mist to provide much needed depth and experience.
With the wind swirling, the game began more as a battle for field position than a battle for points. The Rebels came out running with Samuel Hodgins at tailback but the drive ultimately stalled inside Vikings territory. Kicker, and FullTiltPoker.com’s Special Teams Player of the Game, Paul Grogan, pleaded with Dennehy to attempt a long field goal, but the clever old signal-caller knew better. Anticipating a taut game, Grogan was told to punt, and punt it he did, manfully pinning UL back close to their goal line.
The Vikes started out on the ground too, placing the ball in the hands of last year’s Shamrock Bowl MVP Adrian Garvey. The Rebels defence remained stout though, forcing QB Liam Ryan to pass on a long 3rd down, which fell into the outstretched hand of outside linebacker Brian Carter, who reeled in the ball near the sideline, dragging his toes like the wide receiver he his by nature. The Rebels defence would go on to record 6 turnovers in the game, including a timely fumble later in the 1st quarter, caused by Ross McCooey with rookie DB Colin Keegan recovering just when the Vikings started to gain some momentum and had made it deep inside Rebels territory on the back of a tipped completion from Ryan to receiver Oisin Tong.
The Rebels defence had more turnovers as the Vikings struggled to gain a foothold in the game. With fumbles coming from good hitting by DB Eoin Daly and some offensive miscues by the Vikings, the game remained a cagey affair.
Turnovers ultimately proved the difference in the game, with the Rebels not surrendering any on offense, instead finding their stride in the 2nd quarter. Hodgins broke free up the sideline, and with patience and a timely block by tight end Fionn Kelly, brought the Dublin side close to the opposition goal line. After the Vikes stuffed Hodgins twice at the line of scrimmage, Dennehy spotted the towering tight end Paul Smyth looming in the corner of the endzone for a 4yd Touchdown strike. Before the half was out, the Rebels doubled their lead, when Dennehy connected with receiver Mike Kresowaty deep downfield for a huge 41yd TD, taking the Rebels into the half up 12-0.
It would prove to be the only points the Rebels offense would put up, as the Vikings defense solidified, forcing a number of 3 and outs. Amid the giveaways, UL themselves managed to find some offense, mostly on the ground, with RB James Twomey ultimately going in from a yard out. Garvey added the extra point, putting the defending champs within one score of victory. The 4th quarter remained unbearably tight. Star linebacker McCooey came back from an ankle injury to help hold off the Vikings attack, before veteran S Marcus Naylor popped up to snag a deep throw from Ryan, which was tipped into Naylor’s grateful hands. He knelt in the endzone for a touchback giving the Rebels the ball back with not much more than 2 minutes on the game clock.
In need of a pair of first downs, Hodgins went off left tackle for the first before Kelly caressed a threaded pass from Dennehy in traffic for the second, and with it, the game. The Rebels knelt out the remainder of the clock and escaped from the UL Sports Grounds with a beautifully ugly 12-7 win. The two rivals meet again on the 19th of April in The Link, Dandelion Boutique, Café, Bar & Club’s Venue of the Year, a game that promises to shed more light on this year’s Shamrock Bowl favourites.
Welcome To Picksville, Population : 6 – Rebels Knights – 0
Last modified on 2009-08-21 00:19:00 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Dublin Rebels 41 – 7 Carrickfergus Knights
New season, new image, same old defense.
The Dublin Rebels are famed for their stingy defense, but the Carrickfergus Knights and their quarterback Adam Devenney couldn’t have anticipated what they were walking into in Sunday’s game at Sportslink.
The Knights had obviously made plans for the Rebels defense, setting up in a max protect formation whenever passing, leaving full back George Brand and their stable of running backs behind the line of scrimmage, to attempt to counter the threat posed by defensive ends Steve Walsh and Stephen Archibald. However, this proved to be their downfall as without a backfield outlet, they had to rely on only three options against the Rebels back seven.
As a result, the Rebels’ secondary and linebackers ran rampant, intercepting Devenney six times in the game. Cornerback David McKeating was responsible for two, one of which was returned 29 yards for a TD late in the second half. Fellow cornerback Eoin ‘Stat’ Daly, veteran safety Marcus Naylor, and linebackers Ross McCooey and the rookie Brian Carter hauled in one apiece.
The Rebels received the opening kick off under a bright blue sky, with little breeze; perfect football weather. Quarterback Andy Dennehy opting to test the Knights deep pass defense early, airing it out and connecting with that man Carter for a 32 yard completion. Facing third-and-goal at the Knights’ 4 yard line, Dennehy opted to throw once more, this time hitting Paul Grogan in the end zone for his first touchdown of the season and the opening score of the game. The extra point was drilled wide, leaving the Rebels with a 6-0 lead after the first series of the game.
The Knights’ first possession of the game didn’t fare so well, with the Carrickfergus outfit being forced to punt after going three and out. The Rebels’ offensive machine ploughed on and drove down the field before Dennehy hit his favourite target, all-American boy next door, Barry Flynn for a 10 yard TD pass. The extra point failed again, but the Rebels offense had seemed to hit rhythm, scoring 12 unanswered points.
On the Knights’ next possession, facing a third and long, QB Devenney dropped back and managed to squeeze a pass between defensive backs Naylor and McKeating, hitting Clint McDowell who outpaced all chasing Rebels, for a 65 yard touchdown pass. The point after sailed through the uprights and the Knights had a renewed sense of belief as after being under pressure from Dennehy’s offense from the start they were now, at the end of the first quarter, only trailing by one score.
However, this new hope proved to be short lived. After forcing the Rebels to punt, Devenney opted to pass once more, only for cornerback Daly to jump his receiver’s route and make a fine interception under pressure. The Rebels couldn’t capitalise on Daly’s play and were forced to punt, with which Grogan did remarkably well, scraping a bad snap off his laces before rifling a low punt out of bounds at the Knights’ 12 yard line.
What followed was an incredibly scrappy, drawn out series by the Knights, with both sides committing numerous penalties. However, the Knights made their way down the field, before being faced with fourth and six deep inside the Rebels red zone. Opting not to kick, the Devenny handed the ball off to full back Brand, who had been gaining good yardage all game, only for the Knights man to be stuffed at the line of scrimmage by Archibald, turning the ball over on downs.
The two teams then traded punts, until Devenny opted to pass once more, deep inside his own territory until Brian Carter, playing both sides of the ball, nipped in to intercept the pass at the Knights’ 10 yard line. The Rebels couldn’t capitalise on prime field real estate as Dennehy was picked off by linebacker Mark Harris at the Knights’ 2 yard line, going for it on fourth and goal from the nine. The veteran gained two yards on the return before being tackled by Paul Grogan.
Faced with less than a minute left in the half, Devenny abandoned the running game that was proving fairly successful, and attempted to pass his way out of being deep inside his own territory. After a dropped catch attempt under pressure from Naylor and Daly, he was picked off again by David McKeating who took it to the house. Grogan tacked on the extra point, and the Rebels headed into the half time break up 19-7.
The Knights muffed the returning kick off, but recovered and was the kick returner was finally downed at the 15 yard line. Facing third at 10, veteran safety Naylor opened his interception account for the season, picking off Devenny before being tackled at the Knights’ 22. Three plays later, Hodgins scampered 10 yards, off-tackle, into the end zone, with the point after being converted. The Rebels now held a 26 – 7 lead, and appeared to be moving up through the gears.
The following kick boomed deep into the Knights’ 10 yard line, and Mike Kresowaty smothered the ball carrier at the 6 yard line. Carrickfergus’s offense failed to click and went three and out, with Kresowaty returning the punt to just outside the Knights’ red zone. Two plays later, and Hodgins was at it again, racing through the line for a 15 yard touchdown. The Rebels opted for the two-point conversion which saw Hodgins take the hand off and drag two men into the end zone with him. The Rebels O now seemed to be scoring at will, commanding a 34-7 lead.
It could have been more had a Rebel not been penalised when Dennehy connected with Kresowaty for a 46 yard touchdown pass, nullifying the play. As a result, the Rebels risked going for it on fourth down, just inside the halfway line, but ultimately came up short.
Andy Dennehy : Solid opening game of the season
The Knights now had to take chances to get themselves back into a game that had appeared to slip away from them. However, defensive stalwart McCooey, leapt and snagged himself a one handed interception before being dragged down after a 20 yard return. Dennehy made short work of the good field position, hitting Fionn Kelly, who reeled in a magnificent one handed catch, in the middle of the end zone. The point after was no good.
To sum up the Knights’ afternoon, Devenny was picked off for the sixth and final time, McKeating snagging his second pick of the game.
The Rebels had made a statement to the league, and unfortunately for the Knights, they happened to be on the wrong end of said statement. The defense had started slowly, but by the end of the game had given glimpses at to why they have been the number one ranked defense in the league for the last four years. The offense had seemed to click, despite having a couple of rookies in the O-line. Tobias Hansson, again, proved himself to be Mr. Consistent, opening holes for Hodgins and protecting Dennehy all afternoon.
The Rebels will take lessons from this victory, heading into next weekend’s key game against last year’s Shamrock Bowl winners, the University of Limerick Vikings.
