Though losing 48-0 to the Dublin Rebels on the day, results elsewhere this 4th of July pushed the West Dublin Rhinos into the IAFL post season for the first time in team history.
The Rhinos will travel to take on the Cork Admirals on Sunday the 18th of July which is set to be a cracking game of football as the Rhinos plan to make their mark on the playoffs.
The Rhinos travelled to Carrickfergus Sunday and for a record second time in a row the game started under clouds pouring rain on the players below.
Full game report to follow.
More great pictures in our media section.
Full game report to follow.
For now, please visit the media section for some great pictures (despite the weather) of yesterdays game.
The Rhinos 2010 roster has been posted.
It is still in progress with media for every player to follow, if players have a preference for their roster photo get in touch with me otherwise I get to pick!!
The Rhinos hosted the Saints last Sunday for the second and final time of the 2010 IAFL regular season. Both teams defenses came out on top taking away a point each as the game ended a never before seen in the IAFL final score of 0-0.
Both sides put in outstanding defensive efforts to keep the opposing teams offense out for the entire game. The Rhino’s linebackers gave DCU very little to cheer about as they put a stop to the run game and snuffed out any passes in the air. The Saints were dealt with a massive blow in the first quarter when star running back David McMahon was forced to leave the game early on picking up an injury fighting for extra yardage.
Throughout the game the Rhino’s D never looked under pressure, spectacular interceptions from John Keegan and Nick Newby slowed down the Saints offense while Barry Bolton picked one off (below) and returned it into the saints redzone, the Saints backup running back making the last ditch touchdown saving tackle.
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Stephen Macken and his offence took over and methodically drove the ball deep into Saints territory only to be stopped on third down from a fine Saints defensive performance. Sean Power attempted a field goal which was blocked by the Saints who gathered the ball and picked up some yards on the return much to Power’s dismay. Only for a penalty dragging them back the Saints would have started their next drive in the Rhinos half of the impressively marked pitch.
The game remained a stalemate and the closest either side came to scoring was when the Saints discipline let them down and a number of consecutive penalties coupled with big runs from Power and another big reception from Ross Carrick gave the Rhinos from Castleknock prime field position. However, the Saints D stood strong and held out Macken and Co who got to the one yard line but couldn’t pick up that elusive final yard due to an untimely fumble.
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This lead to the game ending in what resulted to be the first scoreless draw in IAFL history. While the scoreline suggests a boring game, many of the spectators were kept entertained by big play after big play (Nick Newby diving interception below) by both teams defenses.
The Rhinos remain firmly in second place in the IAFL Central Division with their next two games up against divisional opponent TCD who will be fighting with the Rhinos for the wildcard playoff position.
Video highlights coming soon.
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The West Dublin Rhinos welcome the DCU Saints this coming bank holiday Sunday, 2pm Castleknock College. All are welcome to come along and show support for the Rhinos.
As a teaser of what to expect on Sunday, take a look at the extended highlights from the two teams last encounter which saw the Rhinos coming away with a 15-8 victory.
You can find this video, and even more highlights at the Rhinos YouTube channel. Feel free to subscribe and keep updated!
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The Rhinos are hosting the Craigavon Cowboys this Sunday at their home grounds in Castleknock.
After a disappointing loss to the Rebels in their first game of the season, the Rhinos are looking to put up their first win of the season against a Cowboys squad who are in their first season back to 11’s football.
The Cowboys are currently 1-1 following a win against the Dragons and a loss the the Carrickfergus Knights.
Kick off is at 2pm on Sunday in Castleknock and all spectators are welcome.
