29th February 2004

IAFL

Cork Admirals 19-5 UL Vikings

Venue: UL Sports Grounds, Limerick.

SCORERS:
1st Quarter: COR: Keith O'Callaghan 48yd run (6-0), UL: Adam Culvertey 2xpt return (6-2); COR: Keith O'Callaghan 70yd punt return, Iain O'Callaghan 1xpt (13-2).
2nd Quarter: UL: Patrick Ryan 27yd FG (13-5).
3rd Quarter: COR: Sam Kidd 16yd run (19-5).
4th Quarter: No scoring.

The Cork Admirals defeated the UL Vikings in the IAFL season opener at UL Sports Ground in Limerick. Both teams were strong on defense, but the difference on offense was down to a MVP performance by Cork running back Keith O'Callaghan The Admirals scored early in the first quarter when O'Callaghan took a hand-off from QB John Kenny and used his speed to get around the corner and outrun the Vikings defense. UL linebacker, Adam Culvertey blocked Iain O'Callaghan's PAT attempt, recovered the loose ball and ran 97 yards to score 2 points for the Vikings. The exchange student from Western Michigan University had his hand split open by the force of the kick, but still managed to return it for the score after which he had to leave the game for stitches. On their next possession, UL punted and O'Callaghan scored on a spectacular 70yd punt return. This time Iain O'Callaghan made the PAT to make the score 13-2. In the second quarter, UL quarterback, Ben Lanser managed to move his team into scoring range and Patrick Ryan made the score 13-5, just before halftime, with a 27 yard field goal. The second half turned into a defensive affair as both teams struggled to move the ball. However, towards the end of the third quarter, Cork managed to get their running game going and running back Sam Kidd scored on a 16 yard sweep right play. UL got some first downs in the 4th quarter through QB Lanser and running backs David O'Neill and Liam Ryan, but the Cork defense, led by linebacker Alan O'Carroll and safety Ger Madden, kept them out of the endzone to make the final score 19-5.