 The Craigavon Cowboys returned to Portadown with the IAFL 1 Bowl in hand on Sunday past, following a dramatic 28-27 win over the Westmeath Minotaurs. The weather was perfect for football as was the pitch at Navan RFC. The game started with both teams showing nerves as the first quarter ended scoreless before the game came to life in the second quarter.
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By Liam Grimley In our final IAFL 1 Bowl Chat, with finish off with an interview with Head Coach Greg Loughran and a preview to this Sunday’s Bowl Clash with the Westmeath Minotaurs, written by our reporter, Liam Grimley...  Head Coach Greg Loughran braving the elements against the Wexford Eagles earlier in the season.
Pic credit: Eamon McCormick With the position groups over, we now turn to the Coordinators, Christian Cowan and Mark Beattie to gather how they are preparing for the Bowl game...  Defensive Coordinator Mark Beattie (top) and Offensive Coordinator Christian Cowan (bottom).
Pic credit: Eamon McCormick We round off the position groups with talking to Defensive Back Lawrence Ruddock ahead of Sunday’s game against the West Meath Minotaurs...  #23 Lawrence Ruddock after a tough game against Trinity College Dublin in the IAFL1 Bowl Semi Final. Pic credit: Eamon McCormick
On this IAFL1 Bowl Chat, we’re going down into the trenches as we chat to Offensive Lineman Peader ‘Vince’ McMahon, and Defensive Lineman and Club Development Officer, Jason Duddy to find out how the big men are setting up for Sunday...  #90 Jason Duddy and #77 Peader ‘Vince’ McMahon. Pics credit: Eamon McCormick
Next up on our road to Navan, we chatted to Rookie Wide Receiver Neil Maxwell to see what he thought about the biggest game of the year...  #1 Neil Maxwell running after a punt, with #10 David McMichael blocking for him. Pic Credit: Eamon McCormick
We continue our playoff chat with this seasons Quarterback, Peter Loughran...  Pic Credit: Eamon McCormick
With Sunday’s victory over Trinity College Dublin, the ‘Boys are on the road to Navan to play in the IAFL1 Bowl. We’ll be chatting to a few players and coaches to gather their thoughts of recent events. To kick us off, we spoke to Club President Jo Buchanan...  Jo Buchanan running through a gap created by his Offensive Line. Pic credit: Eamon McCormick
The Cowboys advance to the 2019 IAFL 1 Bowl courtesy of a 27-19 win over fourth seeds Trinity College Dublin in the IAFL 1 playoffs. This is the third year in a row that the Cowboys have reached the Bowl game, but will be hoping for success this time having tasted defeat the past two times.  Credit: Eamon McCormick As our regular season ended over a week ago, the Cowboys earned the number one seed in the playoffs, winning the league and securing a home semifinal. The ‘Boys host Trinity College Dublin this Sunday to determine who goes to Navan to play in the IAFL 1 Bowl game. We had a chat with Defensive Coordinator Mark Beattie to get his thoughts...  Defensive Coordinator Mark Beattie talking tactics with D Line man Joe Marley. Pic credit: Eamon McCormick Well Beats, it's been over a week since the Minotaur game, how do feel the 'D' performed?
I was over the moon generally with how we stacked up, we done some homework and what we expected to see, we saw in the game. I was pleased with how we adjusted, we changed a few small tweaks in game to react to what we were seeing and our guys really took it on board and were able to do what I was looking from them so that is really pleasing. With the League ending, the Cowboys Defense was 2nd overall in fewest points allowed this year and with another impressive performance with a big-time shutout against the Minotaurs, you must feel good knowing that you're the brains behind this operation? I'm not really, I'm just the guy who trys to look like he knows what he is doing! To be honest it's no use me coming up with ideas or plans if the guys arent able to do it and it's down to the players that we have been able to finish 2nd in points conceded. It speaks well to the leadership and commitment from the defensive players. So looking ahead to the playoffs, as top seed and league champs, we're hosting Trinity College Dublin, the only team to have got one up on the Cowboys this year. Nervous? Not really, I dont get nervous too much to be honest. I did when I played for sure. But now I have to trust my preparation, trust my players and trust in the game plan. Since that first game where the Defense only conceded 6 points against Trinity (Offense giving up a pick six and a safety), do you think the defense for both sides will be the main decider or will the offenses take over this time round? I dont care what side of the ball has the best game, aslong as there is Orange in the Bowl game I'll be happy. I'll be treating Trinity for exactly what they are, a highly talented and dangerous side that could cause any team in Ireland problems no matter the division. Of course they are the only team to beat us this year so we will want to right that wrong as well. Finally, what's the last thing you'll say to the 'Boys before the war starts on Sunday? Any words of encouragement to settle any pregame nerves? We play our game, we will do what we do and have done every game this season. I place high expectations on my guys and they know that. I expect almost perfection but I'm realistic. Aslong as they give everything they have got, show full commitment to your position, your scheme, your team mates and the name on the front of your Jersey then I will be happy. I love this team and this group of guys and I have no doubt whatsoever that they will give me everything they have come Sunday 2pm, the big question is - will it be enough? |
