Northwest Vipers Continue Winning Run with Road Victory Over Causeway Giants
Match Snapshot
| Date | Sunday, May 17th, 2026 |
| Gameweek | AFI Senior Kitted Division One – Week 5 |
| Opponent | Causeway Giants |
| Venue | Limepark Playing Fields, Armoy |
| Final Score | 23-8 |
| Season Record | 4-1 |
Opening Overview
The Northwest Vipers continued their strong run of form with a 23–8 road victory over the Causeway Giants in Armoy. Following another short trip on the schedule, the Vipers delivered a composed performance on both sides of the ball to improve to 4–1 on the season, strengthening their playoff push in AFI Division One.
The Vipers defence once again proved dominant throughout large periods of the game, while explosive offensive plays helped build an early lead that the Giants were unable to recover from.
First Half Summary
The Vipers opened the game strongly, marching deep into Giants territory on their opening drive. Although unable to punch the ball into the endzone, the special teams unit stepped up as Harry Burgess converted a field goal to give the Vipers an early lead.
Defensively, the Vipers were dominant throughout the opening half, consistently pressuring the Giants offence and holding the home side scoreless. Niall Lyons and Cathal Curran were relentless throughout the game, causing problems for the Giants offence with consistent pressure and physicality at the line of scrimmage.
Newcomer Ishy Ahmad quickly announced himself in a Vipers jersey with a huge impact in the passing game. Quarterback Mike Naulty connected with the Philadelphia native for a spectacular 40-yard touchdown pass, with Harry Burgess converting the extra point to extend the lead.
The Vipers offence struck again immediately afterwards. On the opening play of the next drive, Naulty launched another deep ball to Ahmad, who broke free for an incredible 80-yard touchdown reception. Burgess once again added the extra point as the Vipers took a commanding 17–0 lead into halftime.
The Vipers offensive line also impressed throughout the first half, giving Naulty strong pass protection and allowing the offence time to execute through the air.
Second Half Summary
The second half proved to be a more difficult battle offensively for the Vipers, as the Giants defence increased the pressure and forced multiple turnovers. Back-to-back-to-back interceptions stalled several Vipers drives and allowed the home side to remain in the contest.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Vipers defence continued to stand tall and produced one of the biggest moments of the game.
On a Giants rushing attempt, linebacker Josh Reed ripped the ball free from the running back before returning the fumble 60 yards for a defensive touchdown, extending the Vipers lead further. Burgess narrowly missed the extra point attempt, leaving the score at 23–0.
Offensively, Harry Chambers also contributed with several important catches to help move the chains and maintain field position during key moments of the game.
To their credit, the Giants continued fighting until the final whistle. Quarterback Krisyn White eventually broke through with a rushing touchdown before adding a successful two-point conversion to make it 23–8 late in the game.
However, the Vipers defence closed out the contest strongly to secure another important victory on the road.
Key Performers
The Vipers once again delivered a strong all-round team performance with impact plays across all three phases.
On offence, Ishy Ahmad (#11, Wide Receiver) earned Offensive MVP honours after an explosive performance that included touchdown receptions of 40 and 80 yards.
Defensively, Josh Reed (#23, Linebacker) was named Defensive MVP following another dominant display, highlighted by his game-changing forced fumble and 60-yard defensive touchdown return.
Ishy Ahmad also earned Special Teams MVP honours for his impact in the kick return game throughout the afternoon.
MVP awards for the 2026 season are proudly supported by The Branch Bar and Grill, Campbell’s Bar, The Old Dock’s and Georges Bar.
Closing & Next Fixture
The Vipers now return home as they prepare to face the Cill Dara Crusaders this week. Sitting at 4–1 on the season, the Vipers remain in a strong position as the playoff race begins to intensify.
