Irish Football Round-up

The Shamrock Bowl Conference roller coaster continues. The Cork Admirals pulled out of their second straight game prior to the weekend before we got a Sunday filled with superb football action. Then the steep downward spiral as the Admirals announced that they would no longer be able to fulfil their schedule and are dissolving as a club. 

Unfortunately the Cork Admirals will be no more - photo by Ariane Boudias

New Look Rams Offence Takes Shape Despite Tough Loss

The Yorkshire Rams started their 2013 BAFANL Premiership North season yesterday with a disappointing 28-6 loss against their fierce local rivals the Doncaster Mustangs.

The Rams failed to score after several long drives from deep within their own half and it was Doncaster who drew first blood with a long touchdown run that broke through the Yorkshire defence. After a successful PAT (Point After Touchdown) the score was 7-0 and it remained like that until the start of the 3rd quarter. In the 3rd it was the Mustangs who scored again after a brave goal-line stand from the Yorkshire defence to extend the lead 14-0.

The Yorkshire Rams finally found the end-zone after several long drives down the field. Adim Irozuru #47 powered the ball through the resilient Mustangs defence for the touchdown after some great yards gained from our crop of Running-bac

ks. The Rams went for the 2PAT but were stopped just short of the line leaving the score at 14-6 to the visitors.

A possible Rams comeback was denied in the 4th quarter after the Mustangs capitalised on several turnovers. The final whistle blew with Yorkshire yards away from a consolation TD and with the scores at 28-6 to Doncaster.

In the end the game was won and lost on turnovers with the Rams giving away the ball too many times. The Yorkshire Rams can take a lot of positives from today's match. Valuable yards were gained on the ground and the new look Offensive Line provided great support and blocking for the Running-backs and the new Quarterback, #11 Andrew Cheeseman.

The Yorkshire Rams (0-1) will be looking to bounce back from this defeat when they travel south on Sunday to face a tough Tamworth Phoenix (1-0) team.

Kent Exiles win the "Battle of the Bridge"

By Martin Jefkins

The Kent Exiles kicked off their 2013 campaign with a scrappy 20-12 victory over old foes the Essex Spartans, and in doing so won the inaugural 'Battle for the Bridge' trophy.

The Exiles started fast, when on their second possession Alex Clifford caught 30 yard pass from Zac Ritchie down to the Spartans 20 yard line, and then a great 'toe tap' catch in the endzone saw Clifford score the first touchdown and give the Exiles a 6-0 lead.

Then after the Exiles defense forced a quick end to the Spartans next series, the Exiles scored once again. Ryan Critcher sprinted for a first down, before Ritchie found Colin Chislett on the sideline for a 44 yard touchdown. Ben Abbott kicked the point after, and the Exiles led early 13-0.

The next two quarters were a defensive affair, with the Exiles dominating. Interceptions from Ryan Wilson and Rob Welling, and sacks from Welling, Jon Dwyer, Lewis Whitcombe and Jack Lewis all ending Spartans drives.

At the start of the final period the Exiles pounded the ball with running back Abbott finding holes behind good play from the offensive line, after three successive first downs, Abbott took the ball in from 14 yards out, and then converted his own touchdown to give the Exiles a 20-0 lead.

Abbot on the run c/o/ Kieron Hyams