This Sunday the table topping Derry Donegal Vipers will play their last home game of the season at The YMCA Rugby pitches in Drumahoe this Sunday.
A far cry from their 1 Win – 5 Losses debut season, The Vipers are flying high in the IAFL2 Division and have already qualified for the prestigious end of season Bowl Game (Divisional Superbowl).
The men from the 2 counties have gone unbeaten so far this season, winning all four games and with just two left to go before they head off to the Bowl Game in Dublin, the red and gold Vipers will be looking to extend that winning streak to 5 game in a row.
They face off against The North Dublin Pirates in their last home game of the season and having already beaten the Pirates on their turf in Malahide this year (26-6).
The Vipers will be confident going into the game. Sitting atop of the division, alongside their Bowl Game opponents The Wexford Eagles, The Vipers realise that it paints a massive target on their back.
With the Bowl Game match off already decided the Vipers will have to remain focused in the last two league games of the season as they continue their strive for something unthinkable last year, an unbeaten season. But in The Pirates, they find a determined and very capable foe, a team who have already got a win by their name in only their first season.
In an extremely competitive division where every team has managed to win, the game can turn in a sixpence very quickly. Although less experienced, The Pirates have some experienced ex-players now coaching the team and know The Vipers setup very well.
Local health shop Cool Fuel on the Spencer Road, Waterside are sponsoring this home game and have helped The Vipers bring a little more to the event with bouncy castles for the kids and hot food also on site at The YMCA on match day.
What next year has in store for the Vipers is unknown, but this year they hope to finish their home games in style and head hurtling towards the Bowl Game with a perfect record… and they need your help!
Admission is free and all are welcome.