THE DONEGAL-DERRY VIPERS won for a third time this season in the IAFL2 when they overcame North Dublin Pirates in Malahide at the weekend.
Donegal-Derry Vipers 25-6 North Dublin Pirates
Report: Derm Brown
The Vipers are 3-0, yeah I said it, the vipers are have extended their unbeaten season to three games with only three games remaining the ball is in the right court for the men from the northwest.
Photo caption: Donegal-Derry Vipers quarter-back Nic Young in action against the North Dublin Pirates in Malahide. All photos: Dean Cullen
A bright and balmy 25 degree heat greeted the men arriving in the picturesque seaside village of Malahide, it was to be a crowning factor to a game that has been named as the ‘Banterbowl’ following each teams comedic trivialities on social media in the last month.
[adrotate group=”68″]The game kicked off on time and what a kick off it was, after receiving the ball, Return man and Wide Receiver Ryan Brolly ran the ball back an impressive 90 yards for the game’s first score, key blocks from Lineman Shaun McGrory and Defensive captain Niall Lyons allowed Brolly (see below) to stretch and ultimately beat the Pirate defence around the outside to run it in, the extra point was not made however, score 6-0 Vipers.
The next score came again in the shade of Ryan Brolly’s speed in the slot, following great work from the Viper O-line; Quarterback Nic Young was able to hit Brolly for a 60 yard touchdown, again the kicking was off par and the extra point was no good, score 12-0 Vipers.
[adrotate group=”67″]The Viper offence struggled again early on, new faces playing new positions added extra tension in the huddle for the men in red and gold, however, questionable penalties had a big part to play in destroying drives also.
The heat at times was unbearable and water breaks were in use, these hurdles were overcame in due course as the Viper Defence stood strong once more.
Defensive End Darren Quinn and linebackers Paddy Maguire and Kyle McAnaney were a thorn in the Pirates side from first whistle to last, Special mentions have to go to defensive MVP Pete Farrell who stopped drives single handily with exceptional form tackling and technique, and newcomer and x-Tyrone Titan, free Safety Daniel Mullen who put in the hit of the game sacking the Pirate Quarterback for a 10 yard loss.
The next score came after another quick three and out from the Pirates floundering offence. After a great punt return from Steven Henderson, the Vipers had great field position to set up the next drive. The score came after a couple of easy tosses to the outside landed the ball on the ten yard line.
[adrotate group=”63″]Fullback Dermot Brown took the first handoff and drove the ball five yards, play two was more of the same and Brown, after taking a lick from two Pirate Linemen, managed to pound the rock in for the Vipers, Gary Melly kicking the extra point making the score 19-0.
The Pirates managed to score late in the third Quarter after the referee handed them another easy drive from 45 yards of penalties, all they had to do was keep the legs going and truck it over the line from five yards, score 19-6.
[adrotate group=”54]The Pirate’s blood was up in the next drive but again the brick wall of the Vipers front four stopped them cold and turned the ball over from a forced fumble and recovery.
A war of attrition had now begun, the big hits started to take their toll on the Pirates who were vastly outnumbered in man power, after losing two Quarterbacks on the day, the Pirates switched to a run heavy offense and subsequently relinquished any throwing power they might have had.
The Vipers smelled blood in the water, as the clock ran down fresh legged players were able to rotate in and out and the game was all but finished when Fullback Brown once again vultured another touchdown late in the fourth quarter making the final score 25-6 to the Derry/Donegal players.
[adrotate group=”37″]The Pirates are a new team in the IAFL 2 this season and have some heavy hitters in their squad, with maybe some new blood added to fatten up their ranks they could be a team to be reckoned with in the future, only time will tell.
The Vipers are going from strength to strength and all the preparations move toward their next game which will be played in Letterkenny Donegal against the misfiring Galway Warriors in five weeks time. Keeping the unbeaten season going will be at the forefront of the players’ minds now, with eyes set on a bowl game at the end of the season. Up the Vipers.
[adrotate group=”38″]
Tags:
