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Belfast Trojans

1 week ago

After Further Review 🏈
✍️ Game Report by Steven Boucher @stevieboucher88

UCD 12-29 Trojans

“Saturday 24 May, saw a top of the table clash, as the undefeated 1st-placed Trojans travelled to the undefeated 2nd-placed, and reigning Shamrock Bowl Champions, UCD. A hugely anticipated fixture, with some around the league calling it a preview of this year’s Shamrock Bowl. There is, of course, a lot of football to be played before that possibility.

Even if you didn’t make the trip down to Dublin 4, you might have been able to watch this one, thanks to UCD’s coverage on their YouTube channel, with commentary from the superb Max Wolpoff. If you did miss it, though, I’ll try to recap everything for you here.

A prime feature of Trojan football this season has been their defence, a unit that had only allowed a total of 36 points against from 5 games leading into this tie. And they stood up to the test from the students massively, forcing a punt, followed by an interception, followed by another punt (this one blocked by the Special Teams unit), a turnover on downs, and then another interception, all in the first half. This incredibly stubborn defence gave the offence a platform to build on, and boy did they ever, none more so than Rayshawn Boswell, who charged into the endzone with 2 rushing touchdowns. Indeed, his first score, putting the Trojans up 7-0, was the first time this season in any game that UCD have been behind.

It was the Belfast number 0 who arguably had the play of the day, when late in the 2nd quarter he jinked out right and tore down the sideline for a field-flipping 70 yard run, finally tackled just shy of the goalline. Jack of all trades, Mo Ramadan (running back, receiver, linebacker, flag football coach, I hear he even cooks a mean buffalo chicken dip) capitalised as the men in green ran their version of a tush push to get him over the line for Belfast’s 3rd score of the day. A roughing the kicker penalty led to a retry on the extra point, the Trojans this time electing to go for 2, Dom Lynn running it himself to set up the 22-0 halftime lead for the travelling side.

The third quarter, however, belonged to the students, as it seemed they finally hit their stride on both sides of the ball. They didn’t have things entirely their own way, with a Chris Hill interception stealing a possession for Belfast. But, with their defence finally slowing the Trojan attack, a large chunk run from Alex Kuzmerik set up Tom McEniff touchdown. And, after Boswell broke another 45 yard field-flipping run, the UCD defence came up big with a forced fumble, recovery and run back for their 2nd score. Rather quirkily, though, UCD don’t have a kicking unit this season, and saw both of their 2-point conversion attempts fail. Still, they had cut the deficit to 10 points going into the final quarter.

And, although Brady managed another takeaway for the scholars’ defence, it was the Trojans who had the biggest play of the 4th stanza, a deep bomb from Dom Lynn caught by Noach Ben Haim, who outfought two UCD defenders to grab hold and run it home for the touchdown.

The successful extra point made it a 3 score game, UCD made a change at quarterback, but to no avail as the Trojans rode out the road win.

A statement victory for the men from the north, one that arguably carries more meaning than simply being the last remaining undefeated side in the division.

Having clinched the playoffs with their last victory, this win now guarantees a top-2 finish and therefore a home semi-final at Deramore Park on the 5th of July.

Before that, though, the Trojans have two more home fixtures, June 14th vs UL Vikings and June 21st vs South Dublin Panthers, both 2pm kickoffs.”

📷: Ian Humes Photography

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Belfast Trojans

1 week ago

We were saddened on Friday to learn of the passing of former Trojan, Greg Pountain.

Greg was a wonderful guy on and off the field, a Shamrock Bowl winner, and someone who was spoken very highly of around the team.

From all of us at the Trojans, we wish to express our sympathies to Jill and the entire family circle.

Greg’s funeral will be held on Thursday 5 June at 10am in CFC, Belmont Road, followed by burial at Ballycairn Churchyard and tea / coffee at Malone House.

Rest easy Greg.

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