Belfast Trojans 8 – 42 Univ Limerick Vikings

The UL Vikings reached their third consecutive Shamrock Bowl in fine style in the UL Sports Grounds this weekend. They defeated a strong and well experienced Belfast Trojans team in a decisive manner. The game was played in perfect conditions and a sizeable crowd turned up to cheer on UL.

The Vikings kicked to the Trojans to open the game and the Belfast unit came out determined to set up their running game. Using running back Erin Wagner as a battering ram they picked up solid yards at times but Wagner found it difficult to find running room against the speedy Vikings defence. Bill Parkinson and Liam Ryan made important tackles and forced the Trojans to punt. The Trojans punter, who had an excellent game, kicked deep into Vikings territory but Seamus Feehan fielded the kick and put the Vikings back into Trojans territory. Quarterback JP Nerbun then directed a ground based drive where Seamus Hogan and Jim Davis picked up good yardage behind the Vikings O-line of Kieran Coen, Brendan Moroney, Jamie O’Brien, Dave Moloney and Mark Thompson. Seamus Hogan punched the ball in from 8 yards out for the go ahead score. Daniel Smith converted the extra point. He was 6 for 6 on the day. Both defences then took over and strong performances from Bill Parkinson, Jim Davis, Cormac Ryan and Mark Gaffney limited the Trojans O while Jeroen Egge, Chris Weir and Erin Wagner were disruptive forces for the Trojans.

The second quarter continued as an intense and very physical struggle with both teams looking to exert dominance over the other. The Vikings took over on offence after an excellent kick by the Trojans punter. The Trojans D-line pressured the Vikings QB and Erin Wagner dragged Nerbun down in the endzone to get the Trojans on the scoreboard. The Trojans then took over on offence and made excellent yardage on the ground through Wagner and a couple of receptions by Kai Ruggeri. Chris McKeown then went deep to Ruggeri in the endzone but the ball was picked off by the Vikings Safety Liam Ryan. The Vikings then took over on their own 20 yard line with 2 minutes left in the half. Nerbun led an artful drive completing passes to Marc Ashworth who gained valuable first downs and got out of bounds to stop the clock. Then Nerbun connected with Seamus Feehan on a spectacular 28 yard touchdown pass as time expired in the half.

The Vikings started the 2nd half strongly with Seamus Feehan ripping off a mazy 50 yard return on the opening kickoff. Seamus Hogan then took the ball off tackle on the first play and took it 30 yards for the score. JP Nerbun then added another on a 7 yard bootleg that capped a drive dominated by strong running from Adrian Garvey. The Vikings defense continued its struggle with Wagner with Bill Parkinson and Alan O’Carroll landing some huge hits on the big running back.

The Trojans came out in the fourth quarter needing to score quickly as the game was slipping away from them but Brendan McCarthy came up with an interception that killed their attack. Adrian Garvey then continued to torment the Belfast defense and Marc Ashworth picked up more yards in the air. JP Nerbun then punched the ball in from 2 yards out. The Trojans continued to battle and never gave up on the game and were rewarded by a bruising 7 yard TD run by their standout running back Erin Wagner. Their 2 point conversion was unsuccessful as a pass to Ruggeri was broken up on the goal line by the Vikings Liam Ryan. Adrian Garvey then capped an MVP performance on the day with a dazzling 30 yard TD run to end the game.

Belfast Trojans 56 – 0 Rhinos

The Belfast Trojans claimed their fifth consecutive win on the season Sunday, defeating the Dublin City Rhinos 56-0. The Trojans (5-2) led from the opening drive of the game, when Alex Newton rushed to his first career touchdown. A big return on the ensuing kickoff by the Rhinos (1-6) was the nearest they would get to a score. Though the Dublin side fought hard all day, they were simply outnumbered by the Northern champs. Quarterback Chris McKeown led the offense to scores on every possession he started, connecting for scores with Adrian Cassidy, James Kay, and Kai Ruggeri, plus big receptions by Scott Fischaber. Cassidy had his best game thus far, hauling in a half dozen passes including two acrobat moves to collect errant balls. Kay, returning for his first game since a shoulder injury six weeks previous, nearly added a second score with a gargantuan leap at the back of the end zone; a penalty meant the score was disallowed. He also picked up big yards on a carry early in the game.
Newton was equally brilliant in his first time starting. En route to a hat trick, the young running back had multiple carries of over 20 yards and was a constant headache for the Rhinos. He also added his first career reception, catching a Ruggeri pass on the Trojans’ final series. Jay Mackenzie tacked on a handful of conversions plus his first touchdown. A controversial call wiped another score, when a leaping grab was deemed short of the goal line.

Defensively, the Trojans never eased. Rob Lyttle nearly scored on his second interception of the season while Erin Wagner and Chris Weir were relentless at stuffing every Rhino drive. Eoín MacDonald made his presence known at cornerback, making several big stops in his replacement role. The Rhinos found some success on the ground late in the game. Perseverance was apparent, as the short-staffed side showed resilience in moving the chains just before time expired. With time, the club will undoubtedly become a power in the IAFL Central. Since starting the season with two scoreless losses, the Trojans have now averaged nearly 40 points in their past five games. In next week’s final game, Tallaght travels to Belfast looking for their first win. That result, added to the outcome of the Vikings-Rebels game, will determine who and where the Trojans will be playing in the IAFL Semi-Final.

Game MVP: Adrian Cassidy
Offensive MVP: Alex Newton
Defensive MVP: Eoín MacDonald
Top Play: Jay Mackenzie’s 60-yard kickoff return.

Scoring Summary
1st Quarter: Alex Newton run (Jay Mackenzie 2pt)
1st Quarter: James Kay pass from Chris McKeown (Conversion Failed)
1st Quarter: Newton run (Mackenzie 2pt)
2nd Quarter: Kai Ruggeri pass from McKeown (Mackenzie 2pt)
2nd Quarter: Newton run (Failed)
2nd Quarter: Adrian Cassidy pass from McKeown (Failed)
3rd Quarter: McKeown run (Failed)
3rd Quarter: Mackenzie run (Cassidy 2pt conversion pass from McKeown)

Belfast Trojans 44 Carrickfergus Knights 19

The Belfast Trojans showed they were more than capable of overcoming a deficit on Sunday en route to their second win over the Carrickfergus Knights, 44-19. The Trojans, enduring a 12-point deficit to open the game, now sit atop the IAFL’s North division and are in complete control of their playoff hopes. The game started shaky for the Belfast side. Though the defense forced a punt, a penalty kept the ball in the Knights’ possession. After the offensive ineffectiveness of their first game, Carrick was overjoyed when quarterback Adam Devenney found a hole in the coverage, giving them a 6-0 lead. Two plays later, Carrick picked off the Trojans’ first pass attempt for the second touchdown of the game and a 12-0 lead. What had been a domination three weeks previous appeared to be on the verge of role reversal.

Belfast quarterback Chris McKeown, however, brought his team back right away. McKeown and the offensive line of Mark McGrath, Austen Blackburn, Jeroen Egge, Charlie Blackburn, and Christophe Perret moved downfield on a mission. Erin Wagner’s dive at the pylon put his team on the scoreboard, 12-6, and rejuvenated the sideline.

On their next possession, they immediately attacked deep into the Knight secondary. His throw at the front of the end zone was collected by Kai Ruggeri on a sliding grab, and after some controversy to determine the result, the Trojans were on top, 14-12. Carrick would not relent. Some success on the ground allowed the passing game to provide another score. The resulting conversion put them back on top, 19-14. Though effectively moving the ball for most of the game, the Trojan defense bolstered, and the Knights would not score again. With the ball in McKeown’s hands to start the second quarter, the Trojans would take the lead for good. He wasted no time in finding Ruggeri sprinting down the sideline in perfect rhythm with the throw. Ruggeri then outpaced the Carrick defense, putting his team on top 22-19.

What had been disastrous start was clearly history early in the second half. Behind the running of Alex Newton, Craig Voisey, Wagner, and Jay MacKenzie, the Trojan offense was simply too much. Wagner and Voisey would each score, one of which was made possible by a dazzling catch from Rui Da Costa. McKeown found Ruggeri one last time for a score, which was the duo’s 7th and 6th touchdown against Carrick this season, respectively. Safety Scott Fischaber had a strong showing for the Trojans, as well. Along with his two touchdown-saving tackles, he had his second 4th quarter interception against the Knights on the season. Also turning in key defensive performances were Carl Ward and Chris Mikhael, who stuffed what had appeared to be a potent running attack. The Knights now must face the Belfast Bulls in a must-win game for both sides. If they are to have any hope of securing a playoff berth, they must avenge a 30-14 loss from two weeks ago.

On the season, the Trojans have now outscored IAFL North opponents 140-43.

Game MVP
Erin Wagner
Offensive MVP
Chris McKeown
Defensive MVP
Scott Fischaber
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter: Adam Devenney touchdown pass (conversion failed), Knights 6-0
1st Quarter: Knights interception touchdown (conversion failed), Knights 12-0
1st Quarter: Wagner run (Jay MacKenzie 2pt run), Trojans 8-12
1st Quarter: Chris McKeown pass to Kai Ruggeri (conversion failed), Trojans 14-12
2nd Quarter: Adam Devenney touchdown pass (Kick good), Knights 19-14
2nd Quarter: McKeown pass to Ruggeri (Erin Wagner 2pt run), Trojans 22-19
3rd Quarter: Wagner run (Craig Voisey 2pt run), Trojans 30-19
4th Quarter: Voisey run (conversion failed), Trojans 36-19
4th Quarter: McKeown pass to Ruggeri (Wagner 2pt run), Trojans 44-19

Belfast Trojans 30-14 Belfast Bulls

Barry Magee proved himself as a top coach in the IAFL by stringing together an excellent lineup, as his Belfast Trojans wrapped up their first derby sweep of the Belfast Bulls.

Although the 30-14 scoreline might indicate otherwise, Magee’s squad was comprised heavily of first-year players forced to fill in for injured or ill teammates. This, however, was never apparent. After the opening drive was stuffed by an always formidable Trojan defense, Erin Wagner found paydirt behind the first of many long drives bolstered by the offensive line. When Chris McKeown found Kai Ruggeri for the two point conversion, it was the first of four consecutive scoring completions for the pair. The game would draw near before that happened, though. Later in the quarter, led by a shifty Bulls #5, the Trojan defense was pushed to the wall. A near-interception which would have ended the drive was nearly dropped, and two plays later #5 found 89 in the back of the end zone to tighten the score at 8-6.

Trojan offensive linemen, led by Charles Blackburn, would have none of it, and led another long drive downfield. Blackburn, playing in his first ever game, paved the way for big runs by Jay Mackenzie, Wagner, and Alex Newton. These took them inside the five yard line before McKeown found Ruggeri for another score. The conversion attempt pass was tipped by a Bulls defender, but was still collected by Ruggeri for a 16-6 lead. Both teams shared possessions after that, before Scott Fischaber’s first interception of the day stopped the Bulls inside the 30. Just two plays later, McKeown found Ruggeri streaking down the sideline. With just the safety left to beat, Ruggeri found speed and coasted into the end zone untouched. Mackenzie’s run pushed the score to 24-6. The Bulls found some success in the air but were forced again to punt. Resulting excellent field position was put to use by the Trojans, and a quick drive topped off with Wagner’s second score capped the first half at 30-6. The Trojans would not score again.

With good ball movement by the Bulls offense in the second half, the Trojan defense was pushed constantly. After making some adjustments, another Bulls drive was stopped but the punt pinned the Trojans inside the five. On the series’ second possession, a botched handoff was found by Bulls #6, and #5’s two-point run closed the gap to 30-14.
Both teams were sufficient at moving the chains, but neither would score again. Even though battling all over the field and on both sides of the ball, turnovers ended each drive. Ultimately, Fischaber’s second pick on the day ended the Bulls’ chances, and the 16-point advantage sent the Trojans to the top of the IAFL North, while the Bulls’ can ill-afford any more losses if they hope to remain in the playoff picture.

Scoring Summary
1st Quarter: Erin Wagner run (Kai Ruggeri 2pt conversion pass from Chris McKeown)
1st Quarter: Bulls 89 pass from 5 (Conversion failed)
1st Quarter: Ruggeri pass from McKeown (Ruggeri 2pt conversion pass from McKeown)
2nd Quarter: Ruggeri pass from McKeown (Jay Mackenzie 2pt conversion run)
2nd Quarter: Erin Wagner run (Conversion failed)
3rd Quarter: Bulls 6 fumble recovery (Bulls 5 2pt conversion run)

Belfast Trojans 42-0 Carrickfergus Knights

A year ago, Kai Ruggeri was throwing to Chris McKeown, the Trojans were 0-2-2 in the IAFL North, and Belfast’s newest team was without a home. In 2008, McKeown has completed a dozen throws to Ruggeri, the Trojans are undefeated in two division games, and have taken advantage of the opportunities provided by settling in at home in East Belfast’s Malone Rugby Club. These changes were immediately apparent in Carrickfergus on Sunday, in a home domination of the Knights, formerly division leaders.

Though McKeown found Ruggeri twice on the opening drive, a botched handoff ended the series inside the red zone. After regaining possession, the Trojan offense found their stride. A jarring hit by Ruggeri set up a huge Erin Wager run, before continuing the move downfield. McKeown then connected with Scott Fischaber for the game’s opening score. Though the conversion failed, a 6-0 lead would prove to be plenty. Kicker Stephen McDowell’s touchdown-saving tackle on the restart ignited the defence and the two teams traded possessions briefly, with the Knights’ offense on the field to open the second quarter. When quarterback Adam Devenney’s pass was tipped by McDowell, Ruggeri found the deflection. After securing the interception, he twice broke tackles before finding open space on the far sideline for another score. After Wagner’s conversion, the lead stood 14-0 at halftime.

Carrickfergus was anticipated to mount a comeback in defence of their perfect record, but it was not to be. After big stops again by the Trojan D, topped with a Fischaber interception, McKeown led another drive, connecting with Ruggeri, Fischaber, and McDowell. He then found tight end Adrian Cassidy in the end zone for a 20-0 lead. Captain Chris Weir led the fourth quarter charge, provoking huge plays from the Trojan defensive line. Mark McGrath, Jeroen Egge, and Craig Voisey each had big sacks, forcing the Knights to punt. Warren Thompson’s return secured excellent field position.

With Jay MacKenzie and Voisey earning yards up the middle, the Trojan O found paydirt again, as McKeown connected with Ruggeri in the end zone for a 26-0 lead. The Trojans stuffed the Carrickfergus offense again, and a quick possession led to another McKeown-Ruggeri touchdown. Wagner followed that with the game’s most exciting play: leapfrogging a defender and bulldozing another push the lead to 34. On the Knights’ last attempt from scrimmage, linebacker Rob Lyttle picked off Andrew Crawford’s pass, shucked a defender, and eased in for the touchdown. McKeown connected with Ruggeri for the games final score, 42-0. The ensuing kick was mishandled, and with the ball on the 3-yard line, the Knights chose to run out the clock.

Scoring Summary
Fischaber, pass from McKeown (Conversion Failed); 6-0
Ruggeri interception (Wagner run); 14-0
Cassidy, pass from McKeown (NG); 20-0
Ruggeri, pass from McKeown (NG); 26-0
Ruggeri, pass from McKeown (Wagner run); 34-0
Lyttle interception (Ruggeri pass from McKeown); 42-0