Carrick challenge still alive

THE Carrickfergus Knights challenge to win top spot in the Irish American Football league is still alive after last week’s win over the table-topping University of Limerick Vikings.

The Knights used an effective ground game and resilient defence to overhaul the Vikings 12-18, who looked far removed from their early season flamboyance.

However, it was a nervous final series for the Knights, who let an 18 point lead slip to just six points before an interception denied the Vikings.

First half scores for the Knights came from David Wright and Adam Deveny. The highlight for Carrick came at the start of the second half when Clinton McDowell ran back the kick off 90-yards to score.

In last week’s other fixture the Dublin Rebels outgunned the DCU Saints 42-12.

The next two weeks are bye weeks for Irish American Football teams as they prepare for charge towards play-off places.

In NFL Europe the Amsterdam Admirals and Frankfurt Galaxy lead the pack for a place in World Bowl, with two games to go. Only the Rhein Fire can catch the teams.

The fire play the bottom team, the Hamburg Sea Devils this week, while Amsterdam and Frankfurt face off in what should be a dress rehearsal for World Bowl XIV.

In NFL news there will be a familiar face missing next season after Jimmy Smith announced his retirement. The 37-year-old Jacksonville Jaguars receiver has been one of the most prolific wide-outs in league history despite missing for several long periods as a result of stomach operations, controversial arrests, periods in rehabilitation and horrific injuries.

He leaves the game 862 receptions 12,287 receiving yards.

ENDS