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!
An outstanding defensive performance coupled with some big plays on the offence saw the West Dublin Rhino’s pick up their second win of the season.
The Rhino’s received the ball and immediately began to move the ball on the Saints D. Quarterback Stephen Macken linked up with his talented receivers as they drove down the field. Running back Sean Power put in some important run’s to set up a field goal attempt. It was Power himself who took the shot but his attempt missed wide of the upright.
The Saints took over possession deep in their own half and the Rhinos defence swarmed their Quarterback at every opportunity.
With the immense pressure from the defence the Saints failed to get near the goal line on the opening drive and were forced to punt, but after a botched snap was recovered by the Rhinos, Macken took back over possession with good field position. Ross Carrick made a big catch to pick up a first down. Power once more made yards on the ground thanks to a huge block by receiver Stevie Moon. The block shook DCU to the core and was sure to have been felt at the nearby Trinity College sports grounds where Trinity hosted the Belfast Trojans.
Once in the redzone Macken and co was not going to come away pointless and the young quarterback found Carrick for the opening touchdown of the game.
Power missed the extra point which gave the Rhino’s a six point lead over their bitter rivals.
The defence remained relentless and put massive pressure on the Saints who couldn’t manage to get any momentum going. The Rhino’s second touchdown came as a direct result of that pressure when Oisin Russell-Conway penetrated the Saints line and got his hands on the quarterback who panicked and flung the ball towards his own endzone. David O’Connor and Barry Bolton pounced on the opportunity with Bolton smothering the ball for the first touchdown of his career. Power added the extra point before the half to send the visitors in with a 13-0 lead.
Head Coach Mark Lawless emphasised the fact that the Saints would come out all guns blazing and they did just that with running back David McMahon causing problems on the ground. The Saints made it into the Rhino’s ten yard line and pulled off a reverse which saw them cross over for six points. They then went for two points where McMahon squeezed in at the corner to pull his side within one score of a victory. Déjà Vu was nearly setting in for the Rhino’s after they had led by two scores in the same fixture last year only to lose the game. However, the defence stood strong and got the ball back for the offence who kept pushing for the win.
Deep in the fourth quarter the Rhinos defense pulled off another master stroke when the Saints fumbled the ball in their endzone and were forced to dive on the ball giving up a safety. This brought the score to 15-8 in the Rhino’s favour. There was still time on the clock when the Saints recovered the ball from the ever impressive offence. Saints quarter back Scott Mifsud had no choice other than to air it out and that’s when veteran linebacker Nick Newby sealed another win for the Rhinos with a vital interception.
This win keeps the Rhino’s in touching distance of division leaders the Dublin Rebels and sets up a scintillating fixture in two weeks time when the Rhino’s host the Saints in Castleknock College.
A victorious Rhinos team following their 15-8 win over DCU.
The Rhinos turned up to Castleknock on a glorious Sunday morning ready for action, and it was action they found from the opening whistle all the way to the closing seconds of the game. A battle of two well matched teams played out before a large crowd who were treated to some hard, clean football all game long.
The Rhinos opened the game meaningfully, driving the ball through the air and on the ground into the Cowboys redzone only to be halted by a Cowboys interception on an unfortunately tipped pass. The first quarter was a tight, defensive affair with neither team willing to give up a score. Injured in the process and taken to hospital was Rhinos running back Dan Breslin #23 who had started the game with a spectacular catch (above). The Cowboys were first to break the deadlock, scoring a touchdown pass on a short reception to their tight end. 6-0 Cowboys.
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The Rhinos were fired up now and immediately answered back. Veteran Sean Power #15 stepped in at running back and would not be stopped as he powered his way almost half the pitch to score the above touchdown, though the extra point was no good the score was tied now at 6-6. It was not long again before Power #15 made it into the endzone, a fumble recovered by Barry Bolton #69 on a backwards pass by the Cowboys QB was taken advantage of as the Rhinos managed to plunge the ball into the endzone once more to put the Rhinos ahead 12-6 going into the half.
The Rhinos defense clamped down in the second half, shutting down the Cowboys almost every drive and forcing turnovers at the right times. The third quarter was all defense for both teams, the weather clearly taking its toll on both sides as they struggled to get and keep fluids in.
It was not until the 4th quarter after both teams had gone back and forward with the ball before Sean Power once again put in extra effort and stretched the ball across the goal line after a brave attempt to stop it from the Cowboys. The Rhinos defense once again took over charged with holding on to the lead to haul in the Rhinos first victory of the season. And did they ever, recording a number of sacks on the Cowboys quarterback including one by Oisin Russell-Conway #34 that forced the ball out of his hands only to be recovered by Bolton #69. The Rhinos wasted no more time, kneeling out the clock for their first win of 2010.
Though a team effort, quarterback Steven Macken #8 and Ross Carrick #80 both had stand out games, coming up big when needed and keeping the ball alive. #4 David O’Connor had a big game on defense as did the everlasting MLB Nick Newby #45 who was welcomed back after injury.
The Rhinos face DCU next Sunday.
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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.
The West Dublin Rhinos travelled to Santry to meet the Dublin Rebels to open the season for both teams. The Rhinos, who had a number of late scratches due to sickness were forced to play a full strength Rebels side with a depleted squad.
Rhinos ready for the snap
The Rebels put on their usual Shamrock Bowl calibre performance and took charge of the game from the very first drive. It was a long hard fought day for the Rhinos who at times struggled to move the ball against a very effective Rebels defense.
Though it was a long game and a tough loss, the Rhinos now move into their next 6 games with a positive attitude knowing their toughest opponent has been faced. The Rhinos will be hosting the Rebels at the end of the season which will give them a chance to see how much they have improved over the course of the season. After being on the receiving end of a 48-0 loss to open the season there is every incentive to prove themselves during the season and aim to change that scoreline in the last week.
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The Rhinos travel to play the Dublin Rebels this Sunday @ 1pm, in the Rebels home grounds of Sportslink, Santry.
This is a regular match up for the two Dublin teams who have had fixtures against each other in each of the last 2 seasons. There is a long rivaled history between the two teams which will see a hard fought game played this coming Sunday.
All are welcome to come along and watch the game ……. and cheer on the RHINOS!
