Game 5 Review: Eagles 13 - 40 Cowboys

The Cowboys travelled down to Gorey, Wexford to face the Eagles in an eagerly anticipated rematch that seen a high scoring game in Craigavon. The 'Boys where a little bit lighter on numbers compared to the home side who had a big side line and plenty of support behind them. The game had all the makings of a high scoring matchup and it looked set to be the case as the Cowboys recovered their own kick off through Andy Herron and marched down the short field through passes to Gavin McConnell and Peter Loughran before Josh Marchbanks rushed from 9 yards for the score. The resulting 2PAT seen Marchbanks find P Loughran in the end zone to put the visitors 8-0 up.

The Eagles were not going to roll over easy and came back, running the ball in for the score from a QB scramble after the pocket collapsed. The resulting PAT causing confusion as the whole ground agreed it sailed wide but an official called it good, still the scores became close with the 'Boys still leading 8-7.

The see saw battle continued as the Cowboys scored again on the next drive, an exciting passing game which saw Marchbanks connect with Ryan Whiteside for a 40 yard jump ball of which the wide receiver claimed with authority. It was another pass that seen the Cowboys stretch their lead once again as Marchbanks found P Loughran in the back corner of the end zone. The same connection was successful on the 2PAT.

Some good run stopping D forced a hesitation in the Eagles back field before they were forced to punt the ball away, Jo Buchanan weaved his way through tacklers on the punt return, gaining 35 yards to set up the offence with a short field. The offence continued their good pace through Herron before that popular connection seen the Cowboys score a TD, Marchbanks finding the ever elusive P Loughran. Another successful 2PAT seen Marchbanks find Gavin McConnell in the corner as he caught the ball masterfully over his shoulder leaving the score at 24-7 to the Cowboys.

The next series seen the Cowboys defence really coming to the fore, some great run stopping seen a tackle for loss by Jakub Kowalczyk then two plays later, under huge pressure from Shayne Mone, the Eagles QB, trying the throw the ball away, only found the on rushing Herron who was able to gratefully cradle the ball as he walked into the end zone from 27 yards. The offence trundled back on and was able to convert the 2PAT as Marchbanks found more joy through the air, finding Whiteside for a simple connection. 32-7 to the 'Boys.

The Eagles clawed their way back into the game with a kick-off return taken to the house, the PAT was unsuccessful leaving the score at 32-13.

The first half ended with both offences stuttering, Cowboys throwing an interception in the Eagles end zone then one play later getting the ball back as Marchbanks picked off a trick play pass. The half time whistle blew with Cowboys 32-13 to the good.

The Cowboys were able to turn the ball over in their own red zone on the first drive of the half as Rolston capitalized on a fumble and jumped on the loose ball. The 'Boys then marched the field with some hardnosed running, a 25 yard run by McConnell, 30 yard run by P Loughran and 35 yard run by Herron set the Cowboys up in the red zone before the combination of the day rose its head again, Marchbanks finding P Loughran free once again for the score. The 2PAT was successful as Mone rushed through after spinning out of a tackle.

​With the scored at 40-13 there would be no adding to that but the Cowboys defence still had some work to do, 2 sacks by Herron and one by Mone sealed the game for the visitors. A quick turnaround now for the 'Boys as they notch up their record to 5&0, next up is a trip to Castleknock to face the West Dublin Rhinos this coming Sunday.