Mavericks hold out for a nail-biting victory

AFTER finishing the IAFL1 regular season in third place with a 5-3 record, Louth Mavericks travelled to Derry to take on runners-up Donegal/Derry Vipers in the semi-finals.

Missing seven key players, the Mavs knew they’d have to dig deep and fight until the bitter end to have a chance of beating the very talented Vipers side who had already beaten Mavericks this year.

The Mavericks could not have made a worse start to the game, but after falling behind by eight points within the first few minutes they dug deep and fought back to lead 10-8 at the half-time whistle.

Many of the Maverick players had to play on offense and defense as the sun beat down on the players, but they struck next to go 17-8 ahead going into the fourth quarter.

However, the Vipers scored early in the fourth quarter to set up a thrilling final few minutes. With the score at 17-15 and with two minutes left on the clock, the Mavericks defence fought with true grit and determination with every ounce of strength they had left to stop Vipers from scoring.

Fingernails were chewed to the stubs as the seconds ticked by and then came the sweetest of noises for the Mavericks’ players, coaches and supporters as the head official blew the final whistle and the Mavericks secured their place in the IAFL1 Bowl Game against high-flying Craigavon Cowboys. It will be held at Dundalk Rugby Club on August 20th and will be a double-header, with Meath Bulldogs taking on Antrim Jets in the IAFL2 Bowl Game.