SHAMROCK BOWL XVII |

DUBLIN REBELS DEFEAT CARRICKFERGUS KNIGHTS IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Posted 2nd Aug 2003
By IAFL
Dublin Rebels 24 – 12 Carrickfergus Knights
Sunday 10th August 2003
Venue: Suttonians Rugby Club.
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RAISING THE TROPHY

REPORT:
The Dublin Rebels won Shamrock Bowl XVII, the Championship game for the Irish American Football League after defeating defending champions, the Carrickfergus Knights at Suttonians RFC in Dublin. The game started in an explosive manner with both teams scoring on early in the 1st quarter. The Rebels scored on the first possession of the game on a 4 yard run by quarterback Andy Dennehy. Tight end Simon Mackey added a 2 point conversion to make the score 8-0. The Knights responded immediately on the first offensive series when receiver Paul McKillop caught a long pass from Stephen McDowell and took it 81 yards to the end zone. The Knights then recovered the resulting kick-off after the ball hit a Rebels player, but failed to convert this into points. The Rebels added to their lead in the second quarter when Simon Mackey scored on a 13 yard pass from Andy Dennehy, with Brian Dennehy adding the 2 point conversion to make it 16-6 at half time.
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STEVE PORTEOUS – LEGEND

3rd quarter was a close affair as both defenses got on top in the very hot conditions. Running back Brian Dennehy managed to get the Rebels a first and goal, but the Knights defense held strong and got the ball back after the Rebels failed to convert a 4th down play. The Knights took over on their own 1 yard line, but conceded a safety (2 points) after running back William Cowan was tackled in his own end zone by the Rebels defense. Both team then exchanged interceptions – Chris Davidson for the Knights & Feargal O’Donnchu for the Rebels. The Knights then began to move the ball through the air with Ian McIlroy picking up a couple of first downs, then Robert Elliot made the score 18-12 with a 13 yard pass from McDowell. The Rebels then responded on their next drive which ended with a 4 yard touchdown run by the games MVP Brian Dennehy to make the final score 24-12.
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TROPHY PRESENTATION

NFL International representative, Tony Allen conducted the presentation of the brand new Shamrock Bowl Perpetual Trophy to the Rebels captains after the game.
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2003 SHAMROCK BOWL CHAMPS