COWBOYS kicked off their 2013 with a disappointing defeat at home to the Irish Shamrock Bowl Champions Belfast Trojans but many in the Cowboy’s camp feel the scoreline does not reflect the flow of the game.
The game began with the Cowboys getting the upper hand and looking impressive in possession with QB Peter Loughran running in a TD from 10 yards out. PAT was no good.
After that the Defence for the Cowboy’s stepped up and looking very impressive in stifling the running game of the visitors but could not stop Trojan’s QB McKelvey finding his Receiver in the end zone from 15 yards.
The 2nd Quarter seen the Cowboy’s young, Rookie side caught in the headlights with some small individual errors and the Trojans are not the team to throw away these sort of opportunities. Running in 2 TD’s, McKelvey found another Receiver for a TD and Trojan’s Defence ran in an interception to put the visitors 32-6 up at the interval.
The Cowboys were in shock at conceding so many points through individual errors but soon got their act in gear showing some great determination and character as the Rookies eased their way into the game and the senior players stepping their intensity up. The Trojans notched up another 2 TDs until the Cowboys offence got into their rhythm again and marched the ball on a 70 yard drive with FB Lee Houston, QB Peter Loughran and TE Johnny Martin playing integral roles before Loughran ran in the ball from 5 yards out to salvage a bit of pride for the Cowboys. Corey McKenna slotted over the extra point.
Although the Cowboys will be disappointed not to run the Trojans closer, the realisation that the 26 points conceded in the 2nd Quarter where all from costly errors means that there is plenty for the players and coaching staff to work on in their build up to visiting Carrickfergus Knights in 2 weeks.
Head Coach Greg Loughran said, “Trojans are the best side on the island, they in not in debate here but I seen enough from the Cowboys today that gives me alot of enthusiasm that we can work hard on our weaknesses and cut out the individual errors and can turn this young side into a very competitive unit in this league. Today was vital experience for a team in which 25% of the players where playing their first ever game in this sport. Plus add in the character and fighting spirit to come back and finish off the game with a Cowboys Touch Down shows that these guys are made of good stuff and are up for the fight that this league brings. Onwards & upwards is out motto this week”
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