The Donegal Derry Vipers Vipers had an impressive win on Sunday against experienced IAFL1 team, the Westmeath Minotaurs, to move into second place in the league.
Donegal Derry Vipers 22 Westmeath Minotaurs 8
Standing 2-1 overall and sending out a message to the league that the Vipers are the real deal.
Conditions were perfect at the YMCA in Drumahoe as both teams took to the field.
The Vipers defence was back to full strength with Kyle McAneny and Corey McKenna both returning from injury, they needed to be at their very best to stop the Minotaurs onslaught.
In what is becoming a pattern the Vipers defence proved to be a force to be reckoned with breaking up each and every Minotaurs drive only to be undone in the 4th Quarter. Huge performances and determination from Paul O’ Donnell, Niall Lyons and Paddy Maguire set the pace for the defence and the pressure put on the Minotaurs QB was immense.
When the Minotaurs did manage to get into the Vipers backfield they were bit by the Vipers speedster Isaac Sully Sullivan, a Canadian Native living in Ballybofey, Donegal.
Busty Quinn and Team Ireland player Peter Farrell had a number of sacks of their own as the Minotaurs were met with an inspired Vipers defensive pack. It was the Vipers defence who put the first scores on the board after a Minotaurs punt in the 4th down was brought all the way home by Ryan Brolly for 3 points.
On the other side of the ball the Vipers Offence managed to put 19 points on the board, lead by MVP of the Day, Quarterback Danny Mullan. Mullan ran in 2 touchdowns of his own and had a passing TD to Ryan Brolly and another passing TD which was called back. Danny found the gaps and seemed to make all the right calls at the right time to gain a first down, making the big plays and taking the game to the Minotaurs.
The Vipers O line and running backs provided great pass protection for Mullan and tight end Chris Tinney had a number of fine blocks during the course of the game.
With kicker Gary Melly on holidays, it was time for Convoy man Darren Gibson to step up and he did not disappoint. Darren converted an extra point and delivered a number of important punts and kickoffs during the course of the game.
There were spells in this game where the Vipers were put under serious pressure by the Minotaurs especially late in the game but the guys remained focused and collected the W.
The Vipers now move into second spot in the table just behind the Craigavon Cowboys who have a perfect record of 3-0.
Next up for the Vipers are 2 tough away fixtures that could define the course of their season, the Louth Mavericks on the 21st of May and the South Kildare Soldiers on the 27th of May.
With little rest between the games the Vipers squad size and ability to rotate players will have to be used to full advantage to keep players fresh to continue there drive to win back to back promotions. The Vipers believe they can do it.
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